Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
The Moravian folk costume (kroj) is a traditional clothing ensemble that originates from the Moravia region of the Czech Republic. This costume reflects the cultural heritage and history of the Moravian people. The Moravian folk costume typically consists of various garments and accessories that vary depending on the specific region within Moravia. However, there are common elements that can be found in most Moravian folk costumes. These elements often include a blouse or shirt, a vest, a skirt or apron for women, trousers for men, and various types of headgear such as bonnets, scarves, or hats. Colors and patterns used in Moravian folk costumes often carry symbolic meanings related to the wearer’s age, marital status, and other social factors. Embroidery and decorative elements are also important aspects of the costume, showcasing intricate designs that may have been passed down through generations. Moravian folk costumes are worn during special occasions, cultural events, and festivals. They serve as a way to honor the region’s history and traditions, as well as to express a sense of identity and belonging to the Moravian culture. Over time, these costumes have evolved while still maintaining their cultural significance and importance to the people of Moravia.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
We can trace sexual motifs in folk culture and folk costumes from ancient times, for example the way costumes are designed – giant skirts, narrow waists, high shoes, bright colours. This is no longer known today, but for example, the colours and flowers on costume bows and embroidery were chosen to evoke subconscious sexual imagery. In general, the richer the costume, the richer the area from which it originated. Through costumes, people also used to associate and get to know each other at traditional feasts, which were and are used to celebrate the harvest and to celebrate fertility.
At first glance, nudity may seem inappropriate in contrast to costume and folk culture. However, this has not always been the case. The presence of the naked body has always belonged to folk, village culture, used in ritual and ceremonial celebrations. The design of the costumes themselves has also always awakened and encouraged all sorts of fantasies. Folk culture generally brings spiritual and sexual awakening and celebrates fertility. Moreover, traditional costume has a special power to give women and men self-confidence and improve their relationship with their own bodies and sexuality.
The Unspoken Things photographic series is therefore inspired by ethnographic texts that deal with the body as a cultural phenomenon. The photographs also draw on the ritual and symbolic meanings of fertility and sexuality that were and are found in folk culture and reflected in the folk costumes.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
OPINION
Today the prevailing opinion is that the costume is chaste, that it is worn to church and that the presence of a naked body could be shameful. However in the past, this was not true…
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
COUNT THEM
At Moravian folk festivals it is common for girls to show how many underskirts they have on (and they may even be even offended if someone refuses to look at their underskirts.)
So count them…
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
AWAKEN
However, the presence of the naked body has been used in ritual and ceremonial celebrations since time immemorial. The very tradition of folk culture and folk costumes is based on both spiritual and sexual awakening and celebrating fertility.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
LEGEND OF KING
This photo is inspired by the Moravian festival “Ride of the Kings”. The origins of the tradition can be traced back to a historical event when King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary fled from the Czech and Moravian administrator George of Poděbrady. In order not to give away his appearance and speech, he is said to have dressed in a woman’s costume and put a rose in his mouth.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
THE UNSPOKEN
We are always surrounded by unspoken things. Untold stories, fears, anxieties, ruined hallelujahs, but also fantasies, dreams, hopes, feelings and much more….
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
BODY
Folk costumes have a special power to give women and men self-confidence and to improve their relationship with their own bodies and sexuality.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
RITUALS
In the past women and men often lay naked in the fields to bring in a good harvest.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
RIDE OF KINGS
A young man, a member of the royal retinue from the Ride of Kings festival on his decorated horse.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
TWILIGHT
I am personally involved in the topic because I come from a region where these traditions and folk culture are still alive.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
TWINS
Although it is not obvious at first glance, the sisters in the photo are identical twins. One of them is dressed in a woman’s costume and the other is dressed in a man’s costume. I enjoy playing with gender roles. Anima and Animus. Each of us has both masculine and feminine energy present.
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
Wlasta Laura, The Unspoken Things
The Unspoken Things
Photo Series / Wlasta Laura
