Embroidered Cotton & Linen Dress | Central Ukraine

Description

Origin: Ukraine | Central Ukraine | possibly Cherkasy or Poltava region
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Condition: good; small spots on sleeve; small hole on left sleeve; light general signs of use and age; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Width: 24.5″ side to side fully stretched
   Length: 43″
   Sleeves: 27″ from collar to cuff
Additional Notes: Long sleeve dresses called “sorochky” (plural or “sorochka” singular) are the foundation of most Ukrainian folk costumes. Made of linen, hemp or cotton they were the most important element of traditional Ukrainian dress. As these garments were worn directly against the skin, they were considered to be an extension of the wearer and posses some of their spirit and personality. Open edges such as hemlines and collars were typically embroidered with various symbols and designs for protection so that evil forces could not penetrate the spiritual barrier. Red and black floral embroidery gained in popularity after western European patterns found their way to villages around the turn of the century. Peasant women throughout the entire country began to adopt them into their designs often abandoning older regionally-specific motifs entirely. Over the years many of these dresses have been shortened into waist-length blouses more suitable for wear with fashionable skirts and urban clothing. This full-length, handmade dress has a cotton top section and homespun linen bottom, which is a common combination in the mid-20th century as cotton became more available, but was more costly than homespun and was thus only used for the more visible half.