Application of metal threads in Croatia from the 11th to the 20th century

Abstract

Research was performed about metal threads incorporated into textile yarn in Croatia on liturgical vestments and the festive folk costumes. Primarily metal threads were abundant and frequently used on liturgical vestments giving all the splendor and grandeur to the clothes which were worn during the celebration of the mass. The oldest example from liturgical vestments with metal threads is Ladislav‘s mantle from 11th century, stored in the treasury of Zagreb Cathedral. Folk costumes decorated with metal threads were applied in the 19th and 20th century. They were used for festive occasions such as holidays, weddings and other celebrations. Metal threads were used on different parts of costumes in different amounts depending on the region. The paper deals with Adriatic, Dinaric, Pannonian and varoš (varosh - a type of a small town in Europe) costume decorated with metal threads. The richest and the most luxurious folk costumes were in Pannonian region showing welfare and power of those who dressed it. Slavonian embroidery is widely known, among which the most precious is the expensive gold embroidery technique.