The Mongolian Deel

What’s the deal with the Mongolian deel? 😀 Joseph’s host on the left is wearing a traditional deel which  might be described as a warm heavy duty overcoat.

This particular type of deel would fit into the category of “work clothes.” In the same way trench coats in the USA typically have a belt, the nomads use a sash to adjust the fit of the deel.  A nomad will wear the deel over his regular clothes. Besides warmth, its function is to keep all the dust, pebbles, bugs (especially ticks) off of during the days work. It’s particularly useful when herding livestock on horseback, as the animals kick up a lot of dust and pebbles while you are following behind them.

Have you ever wondered why western cowboys wear “chaps” and a bandana? The reason is the same, protection from dust and rocks while on horseback. I never appreciated that these items have actual utility!

At the end of the day, outside the Ger, the nomad will typically shake off the dust and debris. The wind helps carry everything off of the deel. He’ll then fold it up and set is in a special place inside for the next days work.

Some of the nomads also wear the deel when taking long motorcycle rides to and from town.

With all that said, the deel has a fashionable side as well!

Just another afterthought on my trip to Mongolia.

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