Ukrainian bridal headdress that was used in the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century in some regions of the country. It is a modern reconstruction based on written sources.
The headgear consists of a bridal wreath (made from artificial flowers, decorative springs, and wax beads) and many colorful ribbons. The wreath is actually not a one-piece item; it is built up from bits and pieces – you can see one of the artificial flowers in the box in one of the photos.
Also, as you see in this case, the ribbons are under the hair – that’s because they are gathered on one ribbon which is tied to the bride’s head under the wreath.
Female wedding outfit, Yemilchyn district, Zhytomyr region of Ukraine (Northern part of the country), the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century. The costume includes an embroidered shirt (whitework), a woolen skirt, a woven apron, a woven belt, a coral necklace, and a headdress called “namitka” – a long white piece of cloth with decorative edges.
Vintage bridal wreath from central Ukraine, Cherkasy region. It looks a bit odd, like a hat made from artificial flowers and leaves, wax beads, foil balls, and plastic springs. The whole construction is held together by wire. When this wedding wreath was used by its owner, it was new, with vivid flowers, brilliant white wax, and shiny foil that sparkled in the sun – it must have been striking and eye-catching.
