Woman’s Folk Costume | Zahorie, Slovakia

Description

Origin: Slovakia | Zahorie region
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Includes: skirt, apron, jacket, kerchief
Condition: very good; minor spotting and signs of age/use; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Jacket – across front: 17″ between underarms
   Jacket – length: 15″
   Jacket – sleeve: 19″ inseam
   Jacket – collar: 13
   Skirt – waist: 26″ around + can be let out 4″
   Skirt – length: 25″
   Apron – length: 26″
   Kerchief: approximately 30″ square
Additional Notes: This type of ensemble would have been worn for going to town or visiting friends in the village and is representative of the type of everyday folk dress worn throughout the Zahorie region of western Slovakia. A significant amount of Slovak immigrants came to the America from this part of Slovakia at the turn of the century and settled in large numbers in New York State. The reference image above was taken at Ellis Island by Augustus Sherman and documents this style of folk dress and how it was worn by newly arrived Slovak immigrants. This ensemble, though comprised of garments from a slightly later era, includes similar elements and elegantly portrays the traditional style of Zahorie everyday dress. The cotton jacket is the oldest element and was likely made in the 1920-30s era, while the floral print kerchief is the most recent, likely dating to the end of the 20th century. Since garments were passed down through the generations it was common to see pieces from different decades worn together. A great outfit for a period movie or theater production documenting immigrant culture in America.