About Russian Kokoshnik Headdresses: 1. You can learn about these in the book: "Russian Embroidery and Lace" by L. Yefimova & R. Belogorskaya, published by Thames & Hudson, 1987, ISBN 0-500-01358-6. The foreword was written by "our lace scholar", Santina Levey! Two examples of kokoshnik headdresses, with the protruding forms, are a black & white photo of a painting (#15) and black & white Plate 47, with description of the Plate image as a lace and seed pearl-embroidered kokoshnik headdress, Pskov Province, northern Russia, late 18th or early 19th century, 9 inches high. The top of the headdress is a pointed arch made of figured silk. The insertion has raised cones symbolizing fertility, set against a background worked all over in seed pearls. There is also a mesh-like fringe of seed pearls. Such headdresses were worn by married well-to-do peasants or townswomen. 2. More info is at _http://www.sunbirds.com/lacquer/readings/1132_ (http://www.sunbirds.com/lacquer/readings/1132) Name probably comes from kokosho - hen - the symbol of the household. Pronounced: kah-KOSH-nick. Decoration represented fertility, according to ancient beliefs. Made by highly-skilled craftsmen. 3. The shape of a Kokoshnik reminds me of a halo. The symbolism led me to refer to a book on historic Goddess beliefs: "Goddess Embroideries of Eastern Europe" by Mary B. Kelly, published by Studiobooks in McLean, NY, 1996, ISBN 0-929021-24-X. Throughout Eastern Europe the Goddess tradition lives on, though suppressed in some nations. During periods when people were persecuted for religious beliefs, including Christianity, they developed very stylized Goddess designs which were incorporated in embroideries, such as ritual cloths. The Crusaders may have destroyed a village's Goddess statue, but villagers had symbolic images the Crusaders did not see. One of the first things I look for are these symbols in woven rugs of the region. Many modern owners of such items have no idea they are there, along with other protective and fertility symbols. Russians, for example, often refer to them as simply "traditional". Elise, it looks like this subject was of special interest to Avital. But, if you want to do research, give me a ring. Jeri Ames Lace and Embroidery Resource Center
In a message dated 2/27/2009 1:36:50 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: What is the picture in the 5th row? It looks like a headdress for an alien. Or the mother of Artemis of Ephesis. Avital On Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 7:04 PM, Elise and Scott Hays <[email protected]> wrote: > In case anyone is interested, here is a link to the website for a folk art > event in St Petersburg held recently. There are lots of quilts and clothing, > and a few pictures of lace. I fell in love with both lace cuffs shown on this > page http://www.quilters.ru/events/events_detail.php?ID=2741 > > The torchon one doesn't look too difficult, maybe just a bit tedious with all > the diamonds. Looks like it might work up quickly. I thought the point ground > one on the left was beautiful, but I wish there were a better picture without > all the gathers. It makes it hard to see the pattern with all the fullness > gathered up. > - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected] **************Get a jump start on your taxes. Find a tax professional in your neighborhood today. (http://yellowpages.aol.com/search?query=Tax+Return+Preparation+%26+Filing&ncid=emlcntusyelp00000004) - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]
