Moksha

The Moksha group have traditionally inhabited the south of Mordovia. The traditional female costume is colourful and original. The long tunic-shaped blouse is decorated with blue or red embroidery. The blouse is worn with a sash or a special decoration called a pulai, which girls wore when they came of age. The pulai was then an obligatory element for all those who had attained womanhood. On festive occasions, the pulai was decorated with shells, chains and coloured beads. The pectoral decoration consists of a coloured bead collar with woollen tassels, beads, coins and figured copper pendants. An important part of the female attire is the headwear. The Moksha people wear a double-horned head attire (tyurik) with bead embroidery, pearl pendants and a coloured woollen fringe.