The most honored guest is usually offered a koy-bas (a boiled sheep's head). The guest is to dress it and distribute among the other participants to the dastarkhan. One should mind that each part of the head is attached particular significance and meaning: young men are treated with ears for them to be attentive, girls - with a palate (it is believed that this would make them more diligent). The head having been divided the host proceeds with cutting meat on the main dish and shares it with his guests. Here too one has to mind certain habits and superstitions. For instance, hipbones and crust are offered to most honored guests while the breastbone goes to the son-in-law or daughter-in-law, cervical vertebra - to marries women, pregnant ones first and foremost. Certain bans are also to be observed. Thus even the most honored guest may not be treated with a "koy-bas" if his father is present at the table. Children may not be offered brains (they might become weak-willed), just as an elbow bone - to a young girl (she might be "left on the shelf")... The meat is usually accomplished with flat cakes with onion (ak nan). A rich broth (sorpa) is poured in separate bowls.[1]
At a wedding it will often join koybas, a boiled sheep's head, as one of the delicacies on the menu.
Serving koybas is itself a ritual. The host cuts the head into slices and serves different pieces according to the status of each guest. Brain is said to be the best and would go to the most honoured diner. Other parts are less sought-after. [2]
Koy-bas, boiled sheep's head, is put before the most honorable guest. He cuts it and divides between the other guests, taking into consideration the particular meaning imparted to each part of the head. Youths are given sheep's ear with the wishes to be careful; girls get a palate so as to be diligent. The parts of carcass are no less meaningful. Most respectful guests are treated to gammon and shank. Young bride gets brisket; married women, instead, take neck-bones. Boys and kids are given kidney and heart, which are supposed to make them mature; whereas sheep's brain is not allowed for kids - it is believed to make them weak-willed. Knuckle is never served to a young girl; otherwise she might forever remain an old maid.[3]