Larnaca

A woman with a child, standing on a chair (1880s-1890s). The child wears a light-coloured dress, socks and boots. The woman's dark-coloured dress is very elegant; the lower part of its long skirt is decorated with ruffles and forms a train.

The dresses of this period maintain their closed character with a high neckline, long sleeves, and a long skirt. Despite emphasizing the female silhouette in an S shape, retaining the corset, they are now more comfortable. At least for younger women, the appearance is principally characterised by soft, light colours and an abundance of lace. The costumes are either one-piece or two-piece, with a combination of a skirt and a blouse. There is often an additional piece of fabric of the same material as the dress at the neck and shoulders, in a circular or V shape, emphasising the upper part of the body.

Ν.Γ.Κ.Κ7.060

Travelogues concerning Cyprus include valuable information about many aspects of life in the island, among other about the appearance of its inhabitants. Clothing is the first item one observes when coming into contact with the people in a foreign country, and is pivotal in creating a first impression of the local population. Travellers refer also to the raw materials and the textiles used for making clothes.

The following descriptions of Cypriot dress range chronologically from the late 17th to the early 19th century:

The Dutchman Cornelis van Bruyn arrived at Larnaca from Alexandretta on April 19, 1683, and wandered about Cyprus until his departure on May 26. He noticed that in Nicosia, where Greeks had their own quarters, silk stuffs and very good dimities were made. He commented that a great deal of cotton was produced and added a comprehensive, though short description of female dress: “The head-dress of the women is just a handkerchief tied round the head, brown or grey striped with black, gold or silver, and sometimes embroidered. They dress in all manners of silk stuffs. Their chemise has a kind of fringe round the neck and on the sleeves, but this is only the stuff itself worked into a kind of lace. The rest of their dress is like that of women in Turkey.” Van Bruyn also commented on the peasants’ appearance: “The peasants have generally very short hair and very long beards, a fashion which I thought remarkable, but not without its beauty. In the country they wear high hats with a broad brim, such as were worn in Holland forty years ago. They are not made in Cyprus, and it would be difficult to say whether they come from Holland or elsewhere.” (Cobham 1908, 239, 243).

In the Register XLV of the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus, for the years 1772-1833, which is also known as “Codex of properties of deceased persons”, among many other lists of belongings of persons who had passed away, is included a catalogue with the movable and immovable property of Evangelis Peristianis, consul of Venice at Larnaca. The recording was made on the 27th of January 1787, six years after his death, and covers 11 pages of the Codex (30-40). The reason these records were made by the Archbishopric was to secure the rights of the widow and the orphans to the fortune of the person that died. Additionally, according to the customs and laws of the time, the foreign state that the consul served was also obliged to take care of his widow and orphans, in this case the Republic of Venice. The list of Peristianis’ property included everything that was found in the house as well as in his workshop/shop. The house equipment includes tableware, cooking and storing vessels, furniture and clothing, with the monetary value of each item.

The inventory of the workshop of Evangelis Peristianis includes a remarkable collection of a variety of items: sacral vessels or utilitarian wares, furniture, books and personal items, raw materials, tools and also textiles.

Textiles and related items

30 arms-length of hettayin* each for 4 ½ grosia ** and 20 mayidia***             135:00

6 pieces of alatzia**** of Damascus                                                                                                         48:00

34 arms-length rason***** in red color from Florence                                       119:00

8 kannavitses******                                                                         24:00                                                   

4 zostres  of Halep*******                                                                                                 24:00

300 drams silk                                                                                                             8:00

440 miskals********, that is 660 drams lace (or ribbons) with klosin for 35 mayidia each 385:00