Monday, January 20, 2014

Project Cubbins: Hat 239 - Russian Rabbit Edition

Day 239 / Hat 239: Black rabbit fur ushanka with black diamond-pattern-quilted lining. The final hat in the Steve Konigsberg troika of toppers coming all the way from Moscow.

According to my research (that'd be Wikipedia), the literal translation of ushanka is "ear hat" due to the ear flaps that can be (and are in this photo) tied to the crown.  It is also called a "shapka-ushanka" or "trooper hat."

Here's an excerpt from the entry: "... is a Russian fur cap with ear flaps that can be tied up to the crown of the cap, or tied at the chin to protect the ears, jaw and lower chin from the cold. The thick dense fur also offers some protection against blunt impacts to the head. While no match for a helmet, it offers protection far superior to that of a typical beanie cap should the wearer fall and hit his or her head against ice or packed snow.

The word ushanka derives from ushi (у́ши), "ears" in Russian."

Ears to Steve Konigsberg for the thoughtful contributions to the Project! 

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