Woman’s Folk Costume | North Kyjovsko, Czech Republic

Description

Origin: Czech Republic | Moravia | North Kyjovsko region
Era: Early 20th century (circa 1910-1930)
Includes: blouse, vest, skirt, apron, underskirt, waist ribbon sash, shawl kerchief
Condition: good; blouse has stains, namely around on back around collar; skirt has several very small holes; underskirt needs washing; apron missing waist ties; old repairs to apron lace trim; red staining to skirt lining; shawl colors (green & black) appear to be slightly faded; expected signs of wear and age; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Vest – across shoulders: 14.5″
   Vest – across front: 17.5″
   Vest – length: 14.25″
   Blouse – collar: 13.5″ around
   Skirt – waist: approximately 28″ around
   Skirt – length: 27.25″
   Apron – length: 26.5″ including lace
   Waist ribbon: 82″ long
   Kerchief: approximately 58″ square
Additional Notes: A beautiful ensemble from the Kyjov region of Moravia. There are two general types of folk dress in this region that can be divided into the north and south variations. The south Kyjovsko style (kroj jihokyjovsky) features a blouse with a large separate embroidered flat collar while the north Kyjovsko style (kroj severokyjovsky), which includes the village of Kyjov, has a blouse with a standing collar. This ensemble is of the north Kyjovsko style and is a relatively early example featuring a long skirt and apron together with the older style vest. At one time there was a great variety of fabrics used for skirt throughout the region, but with time, as the skirts and aprons got shorter everyone started making their skirts from the same red fabric with embroidered yellow and white flowers that has become emblematic of the Kyjovsko kroj today. The lovely old skirt in this outfit is made of red wool with small printed black motifs. Beautiful embroidery and handmade bobbin lace on the blouse and blueprint apron. The large red headdress shawl has seen many decades of wear and washing so it is not as bright as it was originally, but has otherwise survived in very good condition with no holes or tears. Given that the costume is over 100 years old the condition should be considered as quite good and could still be worn if desired, though it would make for an especially nice museum exhibit.