The bib necklace is a traditional women’s accessory that can be worn with festive or casual outfits. The yaga consists of a quilted red triangular fabric, with a coral net of various elements sewn onto it, including coins, plaques, pieces of jewelry, and cowries.
The yaga is distinguished by a “collar” made up of a row of small coins that are lined with coral and located at the top. This collar gave the name to this piece of jewelry — “yaga” means “a collar” in Bashkir.
The yaga has a trapezoid shape, slightly flaring at the bottom.
The yaga is a net of woven threads, with coral, green, and blue beads of different sizes sewn onto it. There are also two rows of small coins at the top and along the edges.
In the center of the accessory, there are three vertical rows of coins attached to the fabric. Each row contains three coins. Additionally, there are several rows of different-sized coins sewn onto the center of the fabric and arranged in a scale-like pattern. There are also three metal medallions with carnelian inserts attached to the fabric.
In the lower part of the bib, there is a coral net that is sewn to the bib separately. It ends with a fringe of coral beads and coins.
On three sides of the bib, there is a metal chain with thin links. The base of the bib is formed by a dense mixed fabric with a mesh of beads attached to it.
The bib also has a collar that is decorated with coral beads and metal plates. Attached to the collar is a round, copper-colored clasp featuring a relief image of an imperial eagle.
Among various groups of Bashkir people, such
accessories differed in shape, size, sewed-on pieces, and the arrangement of
corals and coins on the fabric. This type of bib necklace was typical of many
Bashkir women who lived behind the Urals. In the past, it was often worn with
another accessory on the back. The larger and older the coins were, the
wealthier the woman was considered to be. In some cases, the weight of these
accessories could reach several kilograms.