Friends Shayla, Emily and Rosalia model a few Russian-style Navy hats, each made with cotton fabrics and/or felt embellished with trim of beads, sea shells, and/or abalone, and the band trimmed with antique mother-of-pearl buttons
These hats are based on the actual Russian Navy hats of the 1800’s. The Northern Tlingit tribes adorn themselves with these hats, and although the original hats were from the Russian Navy, the hats of today are mainly worn by women. There is an historical event that took place over 200 years ago that to this day, is acknowledged by the “YenWaaShaa” (Women of the Navy) of the Kaagwaantaan (Wolf clan) women.
The Russian sailor hats are reminiscent of the hats once bartered (or from battles) assimilated by the Tlingit for use in regalia in the 1800’s. After the purchase of Alaska, the sailor hats from Russia were no longer available in trading and Tlingits subsequently created elaborately styled wool and felt versions of the hat.
Clarissa with long-time friend Kamala adorns one of the hats with that Scottish slant!
These hats will be available for sale at the Santa Fe Indian Market this coming weekend and also at the Alaska Juneau Public Market during Thanksgiving weekend. If you cannot make it to the Santa Fe Indian Market to purchase one, you may order one from my website (Shop and Buy page) after September 1st. They are $75 each plus shipping to wherever you are!