Kolah Namadi ((Persian: کلاه نمدی), Kolāh namadī, pronounced: kolaah namadee) is a traditional Iranian wool felt hat worn by men in parts of Iran.[1] They come in variety of colours and shapes depending on the region in Iran or the clan that wears it. Today they are worn mostly for ceremonial purposes.[2]
Kolāh is the Persian word for hat whereas namad is the type of material the hat is made from. Together the word Kolāh namadī means a hat made of [the material] namad.[3]
Kolah Namadi is a felt hat made out of wool. The hat is made out of sheep, camel or goat hair wool and compressed using heat and water. The wool is mixed with a binding material such as starch, oil, grease, eggs or soap and then given its form using a mould. The hat is shaped into the style specific to the people of the region.[4]
The technique of felting was originally devised in Central Asia in 5th to 3rd Century B.C.[5] Historically wearing a hat was a symbol of honour and pride among Iranian men.[6] Reliefs dating back to ancient Persia illustrate Kolah Namadi and were regular features of Persian and Greek Art.[7][8] In early twentieth century, Iranian gangs of men used to wear Kolāh namadī as an essential part of their identity and pride.[9]
Kolah Namadi is regularly featured in Iranian historical films. A 1966 romance film was also given the title Kolah Namadi (The Felt-Hatted Man)[10]