Mengrelian women approve their reputation - whether brunette or blonde, almost all of them are beautiful. Silky soft, thick, parted hair falls in long braids over the shoulders. They have a hard and straight forehead, round eyes shine under slightly furrowed eyebrows, thick and long eyelashes cast a shadow on the cheeks. They have an aquiline nose and small curved ears. Mostly pale people have a slightly sickly colour on their face. They have the whitest clenched teeth in the world and light wrinkles at the corners of their lips that give their faces a proud look. Their smile is charming. Mengrelian women are tall, well-built, with high breasts that are never corseted, and well-developed hips that indicate a natural propensity for motherhood. They have beautiful arms and thin bunches, which are well cared for. Each word is accompanied by gestures and mimicry. They have a sweet voice and rarely raise their voice, because speaking in a low voice is considered a good tone. They always hide their small legs, carelessly curled up on the throne, showing the flexibility and grace of a cat. They are especially skilled in curtsy. When meeting women, they wrap their arms around each other's shoulders or waists. Even peasant women who go barefoot have good looks. There is nothing artificial about their natural appearance. They have a slightly awkward demeanour, but they are impeccably tactful, extremely attentive and polite to guests and friends. Mengrelian women are cold-tempered and phlegmatic. They experience neither love nor passion; Their ever-dormant hearts are half left to their own devices. They are amazingly cuddly, and the makeup is an essential part of their toilet. Patchouli water is abundantly consumed. As for the toilet, the Mengrelians easily dye their grey beards and hair with Iranian herbal powders.

 

Any desired colour from reddish to dark black can be obtained by mixing henna and basma in specified proportions, although this process is quite long and difficult. The powder is dissolved in hot water and a kind of thick mass is obtained, which is heated slowly and evenly with the help of a small flat wooden stick. The face, neck and ears are covered with paper, after applying the mass on top, they cover it with large sheets of papyrus paper, then they tie it with a layer of cotton and a piece of cloth, and they stay like this for two hours. Then they wash themselves well with hot water and soap and apply a glass of red vinegar. The obtained hair colour is so stable that it is not necessary to repeat this process within a month. Hair dyed in this way has a special shine.

 

The women here are gradually fascinated by foreign novelties and the traditional elegant costume of a woman is, unfortunately, slowly being forgotten. A golden embroidered jacket, a red silk dress, a cover lined with fur, and a long belt gradually give way to Parisian headdresses and mantles. The demon of fashion has penetrated everywhere and sprouted a sign of originality and nationalism.

 

The women's clothing is as follows - they do not wear a shirt, the percale blouse is open in front. Long undergarments of natively woven canvas are tied tightly at the waist and ankles. Sometimes they wear ruffled skirts to wear under the dress. The dress has a long train, which follows the ground, and no matter what the weather, it is not lifted up. They put a large white or striped veil on their heads, the ends of which are placed on their shoulders.

 

Mengrelian women like bright and vivid colours, they use the most colourful cretonne fabrics for their dresses. They wear large amber necklaces and various jewellery.