Woven Rushnyk Towel Sash | Western Ukraine

Description

Origin: Ukraine
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Condition: very good; couple small spots; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements: 14.5″ wide x 106″ long
Additional Notes: Multicolored, woven ritual towel from Ukraine known as a rushnyk. These towels are often referred to as Krolevets towels due to the long history of the towel weaving in Krolovets since the Renaissance, but they were in fact woven in many places in Ukraine and continue to be an important element of Ukrainian culture. In addition to being used as decorative domestic elements and icon covers, rushnyk towels were also worn as sashes by women, especially for weddings and other important celebrations and were am important element of the festive folk costume. They were also worn by men tied over the shoulder. This example is particularly interesting and unusual due to the wide range of colors – in contrast to the more common red and black – but still features traditional geometric motifs along with two-headed eagles. The reference photo above shows two girls from western Ukraine wearing similar rushnyk sashes.