Zipka, men’s costume of Pontus

Parts of the costume

Tap a piece to see it on the costume.

1. 1 PashloukA hood of the zipka’s cloth, with two long arms of about a metre, braid trim and a lining of coloured satin. It is tied round the head.
2. 2 KamisThe shirt: white cotton for every day, silk for young or well-off men.
3. 3 Yelek and kontesA waistcoat over the shirt and, over it, a short coat whose fronts overlap slightly.
4. 4 Tarapoulouz and selahiA silk sash from Tripoli in Libya, densely striped, with tassels. Over it a leather belt with a wide front, which held the pistol and the kama knife.
5. 5 ZipkaThe trousers, of local or fine English wool, usually black or dark blue, rarely brown or green.
6. 6 Meshte and tsapoulasBlack leather leg covers laced on the outside of the shin, and low leather shoes. After 1916 tall Russian boots were also worn.