Apron 024

Apron 024

A front (przedsobny) apron – an archaic garment from the times when a dress comprised two elements: a rear (zasobny) and a front apron, known as zapaska. All parts are sewn together by hand, with drawn thread work on the edges and in the centre. The apron is gathered in its top section, with an embroidered trim extending out as fastening straps on both sides. Counted thread embroidery trim (7.5 cm wide) around the edges of both fabric “panels”. Geometric and floral pattern in the form of repeat motifs:

• large spiral centre flower and petals with sharp tips inscribed into a square;
• eyelets surrounded by curves, reminiscent of fish scales;
• zig-zag line;
• a double row of eyelets;
• “tree” motif (straight line with curves adjacent on both sides).

The entire pattern extending symmetrically along the edges is enclosed by a frame compromising (in that order): a straight line, a row of eyelets enclosed by curves, a straight line, from time to time curled into a pair of symmetric snail shapes crowned by a rhombus.

Exhibit: Front apron
Materials, technique: home-made cotton fabric, whitework, cotton fillet, with eyelets and drawn threadwork
Dimensions: five cotton fabric widths
Made in: 3rd quarter of the 19th century
Origin: Albigowa
Owner: F. Kotula Ethnographic Museum in Rzeszów