SKIRT-TYPE APRONS OF THE KOSSOVO AND METOHIA SERBIAN POPULATION FROM THE COLLECTION OF THE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM IN BELGRADE
Abstract
Aprons from Kossovo and Metohia have been classified according to several criteria. Those are 1. the apron shape, that is is dimensions and its structure determining is form, 2. its construction which includes the material, technique of making and deccrating, 3. colouring, 4. ornamentation, 5. Its function under which we understand the following: whether it is worn as a front or 2 back apron, who is to wear it, on what occasions and in what style. Criteria listed under 1-4 may be conditionaily assigned as the formal charactersitics. Using the suggested criteria, aprens were classifield into:
- skirt-type aprons which have folds arranged ai the walst line, worn both as a front and back apron and which are the most typical kind of aprens found in the costumes of this region;
- plane or flat type, with or witheut a fringe, worn only as a front apron.
There are several characteristics that could be pointed out regarding the folded of the skirt-like apron, but it seems that, in order to understand it fully, its distribution must be regarder within a wider context, as consequence of different cultural zones contacts and mutual influences. It is yet to be ascertain how this type of apron became transformed into proper skirt. One issue is, however, absolutely postive: the folk costumes of Kossovo and Metohia still offer challenge in solving the yet unresolved problems.
