A balaclava, also called a ski mask or racing mask, is a form of cloth headgear designed to expose only part of the face, usually the eyes and mouth. Depending on style and how it is worn, only the eyes, mouth and nose, or just the front of the face are unprotected. Versions with enough of a full face opening may be rolled into a hat to cover the crown of the head or folded down as a collar around the neck.
Historical Origins
The name "balaclava" comes from their use at the 1854 Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, referring to the town of Balaklava near Sevastopol in Crimea, where British troops there wore knitted headgear to keep warm. Handmade balaclavas were sent over to the British troops to help protect them from the bitter cold weather.
Modern Uses
Many skiers, snowboarders, cyclists, and runners wear balaclavas in cold weather for warmth. They protect the head, face, and neck from wind and low temperatures and can fit easily under helmets.
These sports balaclavas can be full balaclavas, which cover the entire head leaving only the eyes uncovered, or half-balaclavas, which leave the forehead free, but cover most of the head. Race drivers in Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile sanctioned events must wear balaclavas made of fire-retardant material underneath their crash helmets.
Cultural Significance
In South Asia, balaclavas are commonly referred to as monkey caps because of their typical earth tone colours, and the fact that they blot out most human facial features. Monkey caps sometimes have a small, decorative, woollen pom-pom on top.
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In the Soviet Union, the balaclava became a part of standard OMON (special police task force) uniform as early as the Perestroyka years of the late 1980s. The original intent was to protect the identity of the officers to avoid intimidation from Russian organized crime. Because of increased problems with organized crime of the 1990s, TV shots of armed men in black balaclavas became common. Armed Russian police commonly conduct raids and searches of white-collar premises (typically in Moscow) while wearing balaclavas.
Recent Trends
Recently, the "shiesty" mask has surged in popularity, leading to debates and even bans in some areas.
Here is a summary of the key uses and cultural associations of balaclavas:
| Use | Description |
|---|---|
| Military | Protection from cold weather, concealment of identity |
| Sports | Warmth and protection in skiing, snowboarding, cycling, and running |
| Law Enforcement | Concealment of identity, protection during raids |
| Fashion | Trendy accessory, sometimes controversial |
| Cultural | Referred to as "monkey caps" in South Asia |
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