Kyivan Rus’ was one of the largest and most powerful medieval countries in Europe. Most scientists and historians believe that its population consisted of Slavs and Vikings, mixed and stirred. So the clothing traditions and peculiarities of Kyivan Rus’ also are a combination of Slavic and Nordic features and customs. Here are striking wax figures of a local royal family dressed in period-correct costumes (the 10th-11th century). Not only the garments are accurate replicas but the wax figures look so alive that they make an impressive view.
Exhibits from The Museum of Making of Ukrainian Nation, Kyiv, Ukraine
Info: Kyivan Rus is the first East Slavic state. It existed from the late 9th to mid-13th century. At its zenith, it included the territory from the Carpathian Mountains to the Volga River, and from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. And Kyivan Rus was a very developed country, especially in the military area, crafts, jewelry making, weapon making, etc.
The royal couple. Yaroslav the Wise (978/986 – 1054), Grand Prince of Kyivan Rus’, and Ingegerd (1002-1050), his wife, daughter of Swedish King Olof III. Wax figures; the clothing is accurate modern replicas of authentic pieces. They are wearing similar attires. The robes are adorned with embroidery and gems; his cloak is trimmed with fur and her with embroidery. She has pretty silver jewels, including temple rings, his jewelry pieces are gold (encolpion cross on a chain and a brooch). By the way, an encolpion is a cross-shaped medallion, hollow inside, filled with sacred religious items or substances – very popular jewelry in Kyivan Rus’.
Anna Yaroslavna (1032/1036 – 1075/1089), daughter of Yaroslav the Wise and Ingegerd, wife of King Henry I of France. Wax figure; the clothing is accurate modern replicas of authentic pieces. Her outfit is embellished with embroidery, gems, and pearls. Also, she’s wearing a cute royal headdress.
Elisaveta Yaroslavna (1022-1067), daughter of Yaroslav the Wise and Ingegerd, wife of Norwegian King Harald Hardrada (“the hard ruler”). Wax figure; the clothing is accurate modern replicas of authentic pieces. Her dress is trimmed with pearls and gems. She has a silver brooch, silver temple rings, and a glass necklace. Her ensemble is rather elegant.
Sviatoslav Yaroslavych (1027-1076), son of Yaroslav the Wise and Ingegerd, prince of Kyiv and husband of Margrave of Austria. Wax figure; the clothing is accurate modern replicas of authentic pieces. He’s wearing a typical for this period and region cloak trimmed with fur.
Agatha Yaroslavna (before 1030 – after 1070), daughter of Yaroslav the Wise and Ingegerd, wife of Edward the Exile, Prince of England. Wax figure; the clothing is accurate modern replicas of authentic pieces. She has a beautifully trimmed attire on, adorned with embroidery and gems. Note that all the women have white veils on their heads that cover the hair and neck.
Anastasia Yaroslavna (1023 – 1074/1094), daughter of Yaroslav the Wise and Ingegerd, wife of King Andrew I of Hungary. Wax figure; the clothing is accurate modern replicas of authentic pieces. Her outfit looks the same as other women’s. It is embellished with embroidery and gems. Anastasia has cute silver temple rings. Her hat is trimmed with fur.
That’s how royals dressed in Kyivan Rus’. You can see that male and female outfits look rather similar – long skirts, long sleeves, several layers of garments, etc. Of course, these clothing pieces are adorned with ornate trimmings and jewels because they are worn by the royals. The fabrics are natural (linen, wool, silk), often trimmed with fur (a status thing, keeping you warm is a nice bonus). On some mannequins, you can have a glimpse of leather shoes, which were typical and very popular. Also, they all wear different headgear, including crowns, hats, and caps, but married women cover their heads with white veils as well. The jewelry items are period-accurate and beautiful.
