Embroidered headdress from the Banat region
The embroidered headdress from the Banat region, known as the 'kapica', is a true gem of traditional Serbian women's costume, which once served as a visual indicator of marital status and social standing. The palette of base materials is highly diverse: alongside everyday linen and cotton canvas, festive silk and winter velvet also held a place in the makers' repertoire, whilst bridal pieces were created in the most magnificent execution. The defining stylistic feature of this artifact group is the unique, embossed gold embroidery.
This sculptural effect was achieved by fixing patterns cut from cardboard to the base with starch paste, then securing the taut metallic thread with a thin, hidden thread pulled towards the centre of the motif during stitching. The texture is made even more distinctive by silk embroidery, beads, and shimmering sequins.
This time-honoured artisanal technology and unique design language continue to serve as a fundamental source of inspiration for contemporary textile art and fashion design today.