The use of Serbian towels, or peškirs, dates back to a centuries-old history, and they are important accessories for both everyday life and festive occasions. These woven fabrics were typically made of linen or cotton, and their unique appearance was provided by needle-painted embroidery. The floral patterns and human figures seen on them take diverse forms across different regions. They were of prominent importance during family rituals, particularly weddings, as decorative elements or valuable gifts.
In Serbian tradition, the towel goes far beyond practicality: it was considered a genuine status symbol, which girls carried into marriage as part of their trousseau. They were also indispensable in religious life, being frequently used to decorate church iconostases, for instance.