| Place | Asia: Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/22019.004 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Headdress |
| Physical description | Wool |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Afghanistan |
| Date made | c 1991 |
| Conflict |
Period 1990-1999 Afghanistan/Pakistan (UNMCTT), 1989-1993 |
Afghani pakol cap: Captain Mark Willetts, United Nations Mine Clearance Training Team (UNMCTT)
Description
Coarse brown woollen pakol. The hat is made from six long panels of fabric, stitched together and attached to a circular crown which is lined with polyester fabric. The panels are rolled up to form the brim.
History / Summary
Afghani hat (known as a 'pakul') worn by Captain Mark Willetts of the Australian Army, during his service with the United Nations Mine Clearance Training Team (UNMCTT) in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 1991. UNMCTT, part of 'Operation Salam', a multi-national aid program for Afghanistan, was a joint Australian and New Zealand force involved in training Afghani refugees in mine awareness, recognition and defusing. Australia contributed some ten teams of engineers (each of between six and nine instructors) to this project between 1989 and 1993. Training was initially undertaken in Pakistan only, but by 1991, instructors were able to plan and oversee work carried out within Afghanistan. It was necessary for members of UNMCTT to wear traditional dress when moving in the Afghan countryside, as there was otherwise an unacceptable risk from snipers.