Ritual Cloth / Sash | Russia (?)

Description

Origin: Eastern Europe | specific origin unknown, possibly Russia
Era: Early 20th century (circa 1910-1930)
Condition: very good; minimal signs of use; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements: 80″ long x 15″ wide
Additional Notes: Decorated ritual cloths served many purposes in traditional peasant life in eastern Europe and were often part of a bride’s wedding dowry. Cloths were used as food towels, e.g., for bread or over an Easter basket, as domestic textiles, and as elements of festive costumes for both men and women. Decorative cloths were worn as sashes around the waist or tied over the shoulder of a groom or groomsman at a wedding. Women used them to cover their faces for certain rituals and also wore them as waist sashes on occasion. This superior example is made of fine cotton cloth with elaborate polychrome embroidery and pulled work. The ornaments, colors and style all suggest that the piece could be of Russian origin, but no specific history is known and more research would be necessary to established a definitive place of origin.