Woman’s Folk Costume | Myjava, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Zahorie | Myjava
Era: Early 20th century (circa 1910-1930)
WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Includes: blouse, vest, skirt, apron with separate collar, cap, ribbon sash, undergarment
Condition: very good condition with typical signs of wear; vest has underarm staining as well as stains to lining; skirt has a couple small stains near edge/waistband; small hole in lace on front of cap; apron pleats slightly disarranged; light general aging; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Vest – across front: 18″ between underarms
   Vest – length: 14.5″ down back
   Skirt – across top: 37″
   Skirt – length: 23.5″
   Apron: 24.5″
   Sash: 120″ long
   Undergarment – waist: 35″ around
   Undergarment – length: adjustable with shoulder strap ties
Additional Notes: Traditional woman’s folk costume from the Myjava district of northwestern Slovakia. One of the characteristics of Myjava style folk dress is its lack of contrasting decoration, which speaks to the region’s Lutheran heritage. Instead of heavy embroidery, the emphasis is on fabric quality, bobbin lace, and silver jewelry. Approximately a dozen villages around the town of Myjava share a common folk dress tradition of this style of clothing. Within these villages exist a range of variations incorporating different types of skirts, jackets, aprons, and headdresses. The primary colors associated with the region are various shades of blue, white and black. This particular outfit is one of the most festive variations which includes a special finely pleated white linen back skirt and a vest made of expensive patterned cloth. The skirt is not intended to come all the way around the waist. Due to the extensive pleating, it is designed to only cover the back of the body and the blue apron covers the exposed gap in the front. The blouse has whitework embroidery around the collar and handmade bobbin lace on the cuffs. The cap is also embroidered on the back with bobbin lace on the front. Underneath all the layers is worn a heavy hemp undergarment to protect the skirt and other garments from perspiration. The vest has special holes in the front designed for attaching buttons and loops for fastening. The silver buttons traditionally worn with this type of vest are not included as they were interchangeable between vests and therefore removed and stored separately. If desired, we would be happy to help you acquire a set of the traditional silver filigree buttons suitable for this ensemble.