Mongolian men have long adorned themselves with traditional items that are both functional and richly symbolic. These accessories, often worn at the waist, reflect not only personal status but also the artistry and heritage of Mongolian culture. Among them, the most iconic are the khet knife, the bowl pouch (ayaganii uut), the snuff bottle pouch (daalin), smoking pipes (gaans), and the snuff bottle itself (khöörög).

The Khet Knife: Blade of Heritage

A quintessential part of a Mongolian man’s attire is the khet knife, which hangs from the belt alongside a matching pair of chopsticks. The sheath of the knife is typically engraved with intricate traditional patterns, such as floral motifs, corner spirals, antler curls, and saddle ornamentations (tokhom ugalz), all meticulously crafted from silver. When entering a household, a man would ceremoniously remove the knife from behind his back and let it hang openly, signifying respect and trust.

Bowl Pouch: A Sign of Hospitality and Self-Reliance

Every Mongolian man traditionally carried his own drinking bowl in a dedicated pouch strapped to his belt. These bowls were often made of silver, although wooden bowls (tagsh) were also used depending on one’s social standing. Upon entering a ger (yurt), men would greet the host, share a smoke, and use their own bowl, chopsticks, and knife for meals. The pouches for bowls and snuff bottles were made of silk and decorated with elaborate embroidery, including gold and silver threads.

Smoking Pipe (Gaans): A Gentleman’s Companion

The gaans is a traditional smoking pipe used for tobacco, typically carried by slipping it into the boot’s upper shaft. A complete pipe consists of three parts: the head, the stem, and the mouthpiece. The head is often made of iron or brass, while the body is crafted from wood or, in some cases, bone or ivory. The most prized pipes feature long, white nephrite jade mouthpieces. Small cleaning tools (setgüür) and tampers (tsokhiur) are attached to the tobacco pouch via a silver chain. Pipes are usually 30 to 40 cm in length, with the mouthpiece alone sometimes extending up to 10 cm.

The Snuff Bottle (Khöörög): More than a Smoke

The khöörög is a small, highly valued container used to store powdered nasal tobacco. Crafted from precious stones such as jade, agate, or carnelian, it often features lids inlaid with turquoise or coral and spoons made from gold or silver. While in ancient times it was used for medicinal purposes—such as warding off colds and epidemics—it later became a cultural tool for social interaction. Exchanging snuff bottles while greeting each other became a deeply respected tradition among Mongolian men.

These bottles were often accompanied by a silk or leather pouch called a daalin, which was beautifully embroidered and attached to the belt or kept in one’s inner pocket. Interestingly, the quality of the daalin reflected the wife’s or daughter-in-law’s needlework skills and was considered a matter of family pride.

Cultural Etiquette Around Snuff Bottles

Snuff bottles were more than accessories—they held social and spiritual meaning. During greetings, two individuals would each offer their bottle held upright on their palm with the lid slightly loosened. It was taboo to clash the bottles, as that would symbolize conflict. In times of discord, men would meet again and share snuff as a sign of reconciliation and renewed peace.

Some bottles came in matched pairs, symbolizing unity and were gifted to families blessed with twins. Wealthier men and high-ranking officials often owned several snuff bottles, each designated for ceremonial, formal, or personal use.

Stones and Symbolism

Mongolian snuff bottles are classified based on the stone used. While Chinese collectors value age and craftsmanship, Mongolians prize the type, texture, and cut of the stone. A bottle used by a famous monk or statesman commands immense historical and spiritual value.

There are four major snuff bottle styles: Manchu, Chinese, Tibetan, and Mongolian. It’s said one can determine the age by feeling the rim—sharp edges indicate modern manufacture, while smooth rims hint at antiquity. A bottle with eight ridges is considered “large caliber” and especially rare.

Meanings Behind Popular Stones:

• White Jade (Khash): Symbol of purity and calm mind; believed to subdue temper and promote spiritual harmony.
• Agate (Mana): Associated with familial happiness; subtypes like brown agate ward off seizures, while yellow agate is said to prevent mental confusion.
• Coral (Shüren): Wards off jealousy and negativity; boosts immunity and heals throat ailments.
• Lapis Lazuli (Nomin): Protects against wounds, infections, mental exhaustion, and anemia.
• Rock Crystal (Süüjin): Believed to radiate positive energy.
• Pearl (Suvan): Represents longevity and robust health.
• Turquoise (Oyu): Promotes peace, suppresses anger and conflict, and strengthens loyalty and love in relationships.

The snuff bottle is more than an artifact—it’s a symbol of Mongolian manhood, a marker of spiritual identity, and a work of art carrying centuries of culture and craftsmanship.

The Khet Knife and the Legacy of Mongolian Men’s Adornments

One of the most iconic symbols of a Mongolian man’s traditional adornments is the khet knife, worn at the waist, accompanied by a flint and striker used to make fire. These items are suspended from a leather or silk belt called the beel, a vital accessory of traditional Mongolian attire.

The belt fittings (beel) are often crafted from iron, silver, or brass. The upper section of these fittings is commonly shaped with traditional motifs such as cloud patterns, butterfly wings, antler curls, and saddle decorations. The fire-striking tool, also called a khet, is forged from high-carbon steel or iron, polished, and set in leather or hide. It is frequently adorned with engraved designs using silver, gold, or pearls.

To attach the set to the belt securely, decorative fasteners are used, made from jade, silver, or steel. The handle of the knife is often assembled from stacked layers of bone, cork, and hardwood, creating a mosaic-like effect. Both the handle and the scabbard are carved or engraved with delicate patterns, often plated in gold or inlaid with silver.

Beside the knife, a pair of chopsticks is inserted, completing the set. Traditionally, men carry these items tucked behind their back in the waistband. Upon entering a household, a man would remove the knife from behind and let it hang visibly as a sign of peace and courtesy.

A Legend Behind Men’s Adornments

There is a touching legend behind the origin of men’s traditional adornments like the khet knife, the snuff bottle pouch (daalin), and the smoking pipe (gaans).

Once, in ancient times, there lived a respected and noble couple deeply in love. The wife was known throughout the region for her beauty and grace. A young man from the same land became infatuated with her and conspired with the local governor to send her husband away to indefinite military service, hoping to claim her for himself.

Left behind and pregnant, the woman endured many hardships. The jealous suitor harassed her constantly, demanding that she either marry him or pay an impossible ransom. He drained her family of their wealth. Despite the relentless torment, she remained faithful to her absent husband.

After nine long years, the husband returned home to find his wife had passed away from illness. The once thriving home was now reduced to poverty. In their modest dwelling, he found a young girl who resembled his wife in every way — their daughter, now grown, had held the household together in his absence.

When the father and daughter reunited, she handed him a set of exquisitely crafted personal items: a khet knife, a striker for fire, a beautifully decorated pipe, and a daalin pouch. These were made with the last of their livestock and wealth. The girl explained that before her death, her mother had said:

“Let these be a man’s finest adornments. May he wear them with pride, and remember my love forever.”

From that day on, the father treasured these items, wearing them always, and the local people honored the woman’s deep love and loyalty. Thus, the tradition of men wearing ornate knives, pipes, snuff bottle pouches, and other personal ornaments was born.