National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

National

Czech & Slovak

Museum & Library

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Past Exhibits

Kroje - Dress for the Dance of Life!

April 12, 2002 to January 19, 2003.

Czech and Slovak kroje (traditional folk wear) represent some of the world’s finest folk art and most exquisite dress. They reflect centuries of evolution and refinement. Kroje are also very diverse; each region and village has a distinct kroj. Each varies in fabrics, colors, embellishments, and overall form. All are traditionally handmade.

Each kroj reveals important information about its origins. For example, the Southern Bohemia kroj decorated with hundreds of ornately cut fish scales was made in a region with abundant carp ponds. The sheepskin coats and vests from Slovakia reflect the shepherding communities of the mountainous regions. These warm pieces also attest to the harsh cold climates endured there through the winter months.

Elements from fashion trends and developments of the past several centuries are evident on some kroje. Lace-making techniques spread through Europe during the Renaissance, likely impacting Czech and Slovak kroj development during the latter part of this era. The ruffled collar on the Haná kroj and other Moravian kroje probably developed from the ruffles found on 16^th and early 17^th century fashions. Foreign influences are also apparent. For example, kroje of northern and southern Slovakia are similar to costumes from their respective Polish and Hungarian neighbors. The impact of frequent Turkish raids in Slovakia through the 17^th century is also evident in the motifs embellishing some Slovak kroje.

When all these factors are taken into consideration, each kroj might be considered both a personal and community’s chronicle, recording generations of tradition, reflecting the natural environment, foreign influences, and style preferences. Most of all, each kroj is a testament to remarkable artistic skills, a passion for beauty, and an appreciation of local and national heritage.

With the largest museum-held collection of kroje in the United States, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library was proud to present Kroje – Dress for the Dance of Life! Many of the Czech and Slovak kroje in the exhibit were brought to this country by their proud creator, or the creator’s daughters, sons, or grandchildren. Ultimately, they were donated to the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library for appreciation by current and future generations. The exhibition also featured pieces on loan from the Helen Zemek Baine/Helene Baine Cincebeaux Collection and original Joza Uprka paintings on loan from George and Beth Drost.

Woman’s kroj from Kyjov in Moravia. The kroje from this part of Moravia are some of the most colorful kroje in the Czech Republic. What you can not see is the elaborately beaded cap that is traditionally worn (and well hidden) under the red scarf.

The exhibition featured 10 full kroje from the Czech Republic - nine here and the Kyjov kroj at the entrance to the exhibition.

Original oil paintings and watercolors by Moravian born artist Joža Uprka (1861-1940). Uprka developed his talent at Prague’s Academy and the Munich Academy. His work reflects the Impressionist Era, an art movement first recognized in the 1870s that carried through the turn of the century. Most of Uprka’s work depicts life in the eastern part of Moravia, known as "Moravian Slovakia." He also lived in western Slovakia for 14 years, during which time he created works depicting life around Trencin and Puchov. (On loan from George and Beth Drost)

Study for Veselanka (Peasant Girl from Veselany). Oil by Joža Uprka, c. 1916. (On loan from George and Beth Drost)

Moravian kroj from the Haná Region. The intricately beaded cap is for a bride

Elaborately beaded plena from the Blata region in Southern Bohemia. Large plena, sometimes mistaken by collectors for table coverings, are actually headscarves. (On loan from the Baine-Cincebeaux Collection)

The exhibition included 12 full kroje from Slovakia, including the ten shown here and two on another platform.

Slovak kroje from Podluzany (left) and Ábelová (right). The shawls above each go with their respective kroje. The cap in the middle with the long ribbons is from Velky Lom, Slovakia. (On loan from the Baine-Cincebeaux Collection)

All of the pieces in this case were made in the vicinity of Trnava and Pieštany in Western Slovakia. The gold-colored handwork was created by wrapping metallic thread around leather or cardboard. These articles are not washable – when a garment becomes soiled or damaged, the intricate handwork may be removed and sewn to a fresh blouse or cap. (The items on the right side of the case were on loan from the Baine-Cincebeaux Collection)

Kroj from Trnava, Western Slovakia.

Special exhibits are funded by gifts used to support the NCSML's exhibits. Go to the Exhibit Support page for more information.

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The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

30 - 16th Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404-5904

Phone: 319-362-8500 · Fax: 319-363-2209

This page was updated March 02, 2006

	Woman’s kroj from Kyjov in Moravia. The kroje from this part of Moravia are some of the most colorful kroje in the Czech Republic. What you can not see is the elaborately beaded cap that is traditionally worn (and well hidden) under the red scarf.
	The exhibition featured 10 full kroje from the Czech Republic - nine here and the Kyjov kroj at the entrance to the exhibition.
	Original oil paintings and watercolors by Moravian born artist Joža Uprka (1861-1940). Uprka developed his talent at Prague’s Academy and the Munich Academy. His work reflects the Impressionist Era, an art movement first recognized in the 1870s that carried through the turn of the century. Most of Uprka’s work depicts life in the eastern part of Moravia, known as "Moravian Slovakia." He also lived in western Slovakia for 14 years, during which time he created works depicting life around Trencin and Puchov. (On loan from George and Beth Drost)
	Study for Veselanka (Peasant Girl from Veselany). Oil by Joža Uprka, c. 1916. (On loan from George and Beth Drost)
	Moravian kroj from the Haná Region. The intricately beaded cap is for a bride
	Elaborately beaded plena from the Blata region in Southern Bohemia. Large plena, sometimes mistaken by collectors for table coverings, are actually headscarves. (On loan from the Baine-Cincebeaux Collection)
	The exhibition included 12 full kroje from Slovakia, including the ten shown here and two on another platform.
	Slovak kroje from Podluzany (left) and Ábelová (right). The shawls above each go with their respective kroje. The cap in the middle with the long ribbons is from Velky Lom, Slovakia. (On loan from the Baine-Cincebeaux Collection)
	All of the pieces in this case were made in the vicinity of Trnava and Pieštany in Western Slovakia. The gold-colored handwork was created by wrapping metallic thread around leather or cardboard. These articles are not washable – when a garment becomes soiled or damaged, the intricate handwork may be removed and sewn to a fresh blouse or cap. (The items on the right side of the case were on loan from the Baine-Cincebeaux Collection)
	Kroj from Trnava, Western Slovakia.