The fine metal embossed panel on display in the Adygeysk Museum of Local Lore sparks particular interest among visitors. It belonged to Nuriyet Aslancherievna Thagapso, who donated it to the museum in 1991 during the staff’s expedition around Adygeysk.

The plot of this metal panel deals with an interesting Adyghe custom, which demonstrates the respectful attitude of men towards women. The very appearance of a woman during conflicts and arguments had a disciplining effect on men. A woman could prevent bloodshed or murder. Usually in such situations, she would touch her handkerchief demanding peace, and in extreme situations — throw it between rivals. Throwing the handkerchief served as a call to end all enmity at the woman’s request. In these scenarios, even the most irreconcilable enemies stopped fighting. It is the throwing of the handkerchief that is depicted in this metal panel.

Such a custom was established to stop feuds, bloody fights or clashes between fellow villagers and tribesmen, however, this did not apply to external enemies.

For example, when entering someone’s house, the husband was greeted before his wife, while outside the family house, the contrary was true: the woman (wife) was greeted before the man (husband). The Adyghe had a saying:

Polish revolutionary and memoirist Theophil Lapinski who took part in the Caucasian War on the side of the Circassians, wrote about the Adyghe in his book:

Women among the Adyghe (Circassians) were greatly respected. Since childhood, boys have been taught to honor their mothers and sisters. In families, girls were treated more attentively than boys. From an early age, they were instilled with tidiness, patience, sensitivity, and the ability to behave with dignity in any situation.