Ia de Sibiu

We were impressed by the inclusion of the symbol cârligul ciobanului (the shepherd’s hook, the S) subtly embroidered within the black râuri (see close up).  Ciocănelele are handembroidered themselves as opposed to the common black strips of fabric applied unto the blouse, and they flow down the sleeve from an umeraș.

The salvaged items were created sometime ranging from fifty years to a century ago. Exact timing is difficult to establish, and it is beyond the scope of our endeavour. However, it is fair to assume that some of the old techniques ceased to be employed several decades ago, for various reasons: vanishing of the skills, introduction of industrially available fabrics such as cotton, etc.