central asian hat from kyrgyzstan - which are worn by men for ceremonial occasions. The top is made from felt which is a combination of wool and reeds pulped until they become a fabric- like sheet and then left to dry. This material is supple, lightweight and so windproof it is used as the outer skin for the yurts of many Central Asian nomads. The white is significant and is a portrayal of the endless snow which abounds. The top is divided into four quarters which symbolise the four seasons. The inside is lined with heavy duty cotton for the crown and black velvet for the inner rim. a fascinating artifact from a very remote country. There is a similar example in the Volkerkunde Museum in Berlin. Reference 3435. Size is 34 cms., or 14ins. wide by 23 cms., or 10ins. high. Euros 135.