KELAGAI: HISTORY AND MODERNITY

The article is devoted to the study of the technical qualities and artistic merits of the national female headdress of Azerbaijani women – Kelagai. It is noted that silk kelagai, for several centuries, were made mainly in special workshops according to the “batik” method – hot dyeing of silk. Kelagai was distinguished by brightness and sonority of color, sophistication of ornamental design. The pattern is applied to the fabric with the help of special “seals” – galibs. This method of tacking was common in all weaving centers of Azerbaijan – in Sheki, Shemakha, Ganja, Shusha, Baku. It is emphasized that these head scarves were distinguished by the manner of wearing, and to this day there are many rites, signs and rules associated with silk, including Kelagai silk scarves. It is noted that the art of making Kelagai has survived to the present day. Based on traditional ornamental motifs, semantic signs, kelagai, modern authors perceive not only an accessory that complements an ensemble of clothes that is defined by style, color and all other fashion parameters