The Costumes of the Artüsìn

The Costumes of the Artüsìn

As the Ellero valley was along many travellers’ routes, the local clothing underwent changes following the styles that were seen passing through the valley; therefore, the valley people did not develop a local style of dress unlike other more isolated valleys with little contact with the outside world.

The reproduction of the traditional costumes was made possible by referring to many photos taken from family albums. Some of these these photos portrayed great-grandparents posing for their wedding photos.

In some rare cases it was possible to refer to original costumes that have been lovingly conserved by their owners. This was particularly important to understand the style of the period. The Civic museum of Cuneo was also of great help as it has on exhibit a woman’s festive outfit from the Monregalese area dating back to the 19^th century

Special thanks must go to our grandparents for racking their brains and for their infinite patience with the endless questions regarding adult clothing when they were children.

The Artusin costumes are reproductions of those worn between the late-1800s and the early-1900s. These costumes were worn as wedding outfits, on Sundays or on special occasions.

The women wear long ankle-length skirts, tailored waist-length jackets. Some outfits feature a highly-decorated apron with ribbons and pleats as well as lace and embroidery. Underneath the jacket, they wear a light-coloured blouse adorned with pleats, lace and embroidery. The petticoats of white cloth are bordered with lace or Sangallo. Traditionally, during the cold months, the women used to wear a short felted wool cape called a “pellegrina” or a knitted woollen shawl.

The male dancers wear trousers and waistcoats in dark colours with a white shirt with a stand-up collar. Around the waist, they wear a “scirpa”: a cummerbund which consists of a long strip of cloth wrapped around the waist.

They also wear a dark felt hat with a wide brim and when the weather is cold, a “mantèl” or large felt wool cloak with one end thrown over the shoulder.

The colours which were in fashion in that period were mainly darker tones.