Embroidered Floral Kerchief | Slovakia

Description

Origin: Eastern Europe | Slovakia
Era: Mid-20th century (post 1950)
Condition: very good; minor signs of wear including faint stains in corner; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements: 28″ x 27.5″
Additional Notes: While this particular example is relatively unique in style, floral kerchiefs of many different types were popular with peasants throughout all of Europe. As they were mass produced, they made their way all over the continent and similar examples can be seen in the folk costumes of many distant cultures. This particular example was collected in Slovakia and is machine embroidered using white and gold thread on cotton ground. The design is only on one half of the kerchief as it is intended to be folded in half on the diagonal and worn tied around the head. Such kerchiefs are affectionately called “babushkas” in America after the elderly women who wore them once they arrived in the country.