Ponyova
Zhizdra District, Kaluga Gubernia. Early 20th century
- Linen weaving on boards, wool, cotton, hemp
- Т-4800
Пост. в 1970 из экспедиции ГРМ в Калужскую область
- Period Early 20th century
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An open-front ponyova is a rectangle sewn from three cloth panels. Every locality had its own way of wearing it: with one or two laps tucked into the sash making a type of “bag” at the back which was sometimes smoothed out somewhat or, on the contrary, left sticking out, in which case it was known as a “nozzle” (Svyatsky 1910). The ponyova was decorated in one part on the outside, and in another, on the inside. The wrap-over ponyova was worn with an apron in front. However, when peasant women went to town they untucked the ponyova laps as it was considered shameful to go to town with them tucked in.