traditional macedonian costumes
The traditional folk costumes embrace traits of the various cultures represented in this part of the Balkan. They convey the skill and inventiveness of native designers - Macedonian women, who manufactured themselves their outfits of homespun thread (usually wool, linen, cotton, hemp), using traditional tools.
Until the early decades of the 20th century, when folk costumes reached their peak and were still widely worn and adorned, there were over 70 different kinds of richly decorated costumes on the territory of Macedonia. Every region had its distinctive attire, which differed from the clothing of the adjacent region in its stylistic, aesthetic and functional features. The reason for the appearance of so many different costumes, particularly for women, is the geographic isolation of the ethic areas, as well as frequent migrations and ethnic diversity of the population.
The features that make traditional costumes magnificent are the embroidery (in rich geometric and geometricized floral patterns), appliqués, woven ornaments, adornment with fringes, fine metal thread - srma, and braids, as well as jewelry, made of metal, beads and fruits of the nature.
Two main types of costumes western Macedonian and eastern Macedonian. The western Macedonian type includes the Upper Vardar Valley, the Debar-Miyak and Brsyak etnographic areas.
Traditional costumes in these parts of Macedonia are characterized by the numerous pieces of clothing, made mostly of white klashna, as well as the various headdresses and rich prevailing red colors.
The versatile application of numerous old embroidery techniques (in woolen, silk or metal thread), the embellishment with braids, filigree ornaments and numerous pieces with beads and precious jewelry, made mostly of metal, give an extraordinary structure and visual effect.
The eastern Macedonia type includes: the Middle Vardar Valley, and the Shop ethographic area.
The costumes from these regions are generally lighter and rather plain, without massive jewelry, exquisite decoration and lively colors. Red is the prevalent color, and other decoration includes variegated cords, braids, bands and srma.
