Povoinik

Povoinik

 

(also povoi or povoets; from povivat’, “to wind round”), an old Russian headdress worn by married women, mainly peasants. The term was used for a kerchief or towel wrapped around the head on top of another headdress or a soft cloth cap, usually with a round or oval crown, a ribbon band, and strings hanging down the back.

By the early 20th century, the povoinik had replaced more complex headgear—the soroka and kichka. The povoinik was usually for everyday wear, while the kokoshnik was worn on holidays.