By contrast to textile manufacture, the entire process of skinning and tanning fur pelts remained the provenance of men. Frequently this kind of work was outsourced entirely to professional furriers. Elaborate furrier work with extensive embroidery, rivets and appliqués are all part of the classical repertoire of traditional Hungarian costumes. Embroidered sheepskin jackets and waistcoats are called ködmön. The satin stitch wool embroidery is of equal importance to the appliqués made of leather, both patterns exhibiting oriental influences. After all, Romania had been occupied by the Turks for centuries, which, inevitably also left its traces in the motifs and elaboration of folk art.
Photos from left to right
1. Mens costume from Gyimes-Bükkhavas, Romania. Photo: Albert Kresz
2. Group of young men with aprob and vest. Photo: Erdödi Mihály, Körösfö and Kalotaszeg 1940. From the archive of the Neprajzi Museum Budapest.