Striped Wool Cape | Lowicz, Poland

Description

Origin: Poland | Mazowsze region | Lowicz area
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Condition: very good; wax stains on front; minor soiling; light signs of wear/age; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Across top: 29″
   Length: 31″
Additional Notes: Predating fitted, tailor-made winter wear, the women of central Poland used brightly colored striped capes for warmth and protection again rain. This example with predominately orange and green stripes is from the Lowicz region where this unique fashion managed to survive into the 20th century. As these were traditionally woven by hand, each cape is a little different in is colors and stripes. A common type of staining seen on these capes are small drops of wax on the front, resulting from them being worn to church and candle wax dripping during the service. This should not be seen as a flaw, but rather a testament to their use and an element of their history.