CHITRALI Cap and Chugha

Here is a traditional Chitral cap also known as Chitral Pakol or Chitral hat. It is traced back to ancient Chitral tribes. It is a soft, round-topped hat, made of sheep wool. Before it is fitted, it resembles a bag with a round and flat bottom. The wearer rolls up the sides nearly to the top, forming a thick band, which then rests on the head like a beret or cap. It is seen as a hat of the Pashtuns, but also other ethnic groups of the Hindukush like Panjshiris, Chritralis, who commonly wear it. The cap comes in gray, brown, ivory, black and in different shades of brown. Because of the woolen material, the pakol is basically supposed as a cold weather cap. In particularly chilly weather of Chitral, the cap can be unrolled and pulled down over the ears, like a ski cap. Worn this way, it may look sloppy but is effective against the cold. Some people use such caps on special events or parties. It is traced back to Islamic culture, and originated in tribal areas of Pakistan and used in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nowadays, old Chitrali caps are the most durable and demanding fabric products. The design of the cap is unique, and has enough power of attraction to mesmerize and hypnotize the viewers.