Kokoshnik

in architecture, a false zakomara (parapet over the extrados of the vaulting), having a purely decorative purpose. Kokoshniki are placed on walls and arches; they are also arranged in receding tiers at the base of tent-like and drum-like cupolas of church buildings. Kokoshniki were typical features of 17th-century Russian architecture. They also appeared on some 16th-century buildings.

an Old Russian headdress worn by married women. In the 19th century it was worn among women of the merchant and peasant classes (mainly in the northern provinces). In the pre-Petrine period it was worn also by women of the boyar class. The word kokoshnik was derived from the ancient Slavic work kokosh, which means hen or rooster. The kokoshnik’s distinguishing feature was its crest, which varied in form in different provinces. The headdress had a hard base, which was decorated with brocade, braid, glass beads, other types of beads, and pearls. Wealthy women wore kokoshniki that were adorned with precious stones.