Prizren

Prizren

The craft of tailor was widespread and highly esteemed in Prizren. The craftsmen specialized in marking particular garments. Tailors who made stuff clothes were called abadžija , those who made overgarments (mintans) - mintandžije, legs for bloomers - nogavičari, braids - gajtandžije and, finally fur garments were made by ćurčije. There were two types of bloomers: the type with wide legs (pobogata) adorned with three or four rows of braids and the type with narrow legs (potanka, pomala) and only one row of braids. Costumes were ordered at home, under the supervision of an older member of the family. Measuring, choice of fabric and cut was done by journeymen who brought fabric samples.

Socks were a distinctive characteristic of women from Prizren. They were white, made of cotton or thin wool, with brightly coloured floral ornaments. People from Prizren used to say that their girls could be recognized by snow white socks.

Čelenka, the headdress of sophisticated filigree craftsmanship in the shape of an aspen, adorned with coins, was fastened to a semi-circular baize padded mount. It was decorated with a few strings of coins and a large ducat, called five in one in the middle. The ducat revealed the marital status: girls wore it uncovered and women half-covered. Čelenka was also adorned with strings of multi-coloured beads, coral, glitter or amber.

Next to the body, a chiffon skirt or a short batiste vest with shoulder straps was worn together with small bloomers made of thin white cotton fabric. One more pair of bloomers made of silk, taffeta or brocade was worn over them, so that Prizren grils looked even better and their wiggly walk became even more gracious.

National ensemble KOLO - Prizren