Long Embroidered Chemise | West Polissya, Ukraine

Description

Origin: Ukraine | West Polissya region
Era: WWII era (circa 1930-1950)
Condition: very good; missing a button; minimal signs of wear; suitable for both wear and display
Measurements (with garments laying flat):
   Width: 24″ side to side fully stretched
   Length: 40″
   Sleeves: 25.5″ 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 linen dress is a fine example of a sorochka from Polissya region featuring floral and geometric embroidery and a woven band along part of the bottom hem for protection. The sleeves are made of a finer cloth, likely cotton but possibly a finer linen than the rest of the shirt.