This dad hat, illustrated by Ukrainian artist Albina Kolesnichenko, features a collection of vibrant masks, each representing a character from the enchanting world of vertep, a Ukrainian Christmas puppet theater born in the 16th century.
Vertep traditionally unfolded on a two-level stage. Above, the nativity scene depicted the holy night. Below, vibrant scenes from Ukrainian life unfolded. As "vertep's" popularity grew, so did the desire to bring its vibrant characters to life. People stepped out from behind the puppet stage, donning these masks and embodying the roles themselves, blurring the line between puppetry and performance.
