Woven from cotton or linen fabric, tradition-following Serbian towels (peškir) have accompanied everyday life and holidays for centuries. Their uniqueness is provided by the specific needle-painted embroidery technique, while their floral and figural motifs show variations by region. Within family celebrations, mainly on the occasion of weddings, they appeared as both gift items and decorations.

Beyond the utilitarian function, they also reflected social standing in Serbian society, which is why they featured prominently in brides' dowries. They were also considered an indispensable ritual textile in churches, specifically for decorating iconostases.