This textile is a traditional Eastern European ritualhand embroidered (cross stitch)known as a Rushnyk, originating in Ukraine and dating to the mid-20th century. Rushnyks were hand-embroidered ceremonial cloths created primarily by women for important life events such as weddings, household blessings, and religious observances. The distinctive red and black stitching on white linen reflects ancient Slavic symbolism, where red represents life and protection, black signifies earth and ancestry, and white stands for purity. The central stylized bird-goddess motif, associated with the protective figure Berehynia (aprotective female spirit and modern national symbol in Ukrainian folklore), and the surrounding animals—horses, deer, roosters, and birds—symbolize fertility, prosperity, vigilance, and harmony between the natural and spiritual worlds. Such cloths were never purely decorative; they were believed to protect the home and family and were often kept as cherished heirlooms passed down through generations.
With these Berehynia and Folk Animal Motifs, this is a ceremonial cloth, (protective goddess/sacred bird motif) surrounded by traditional Slavic animals including roosters, deer, horses, goats, and birds- all symbols of protection, fertility, prosperity and harmony. Red and black on white reflects the ancient Slavic cosmology and was intended for wedding rituals, household blessings and religious icon display not everyday use. The narrative composition and symbolic richness make this an especially collectable example. 1930-1950's.Very excellent vintage condition, appropriate linen crinkling, embroidery in tact with no stains or losses. These were generationally cherished and well suited for framing. 31.5" x 34"
Related Items:
Vintage 1970-90's USSR Soviet Russian Ukrainian Lot Of Passports Man & Women
$75.00
Vintage Original USSR Flag of the Ukrainian SSR Republic Flag Hammer & Sickle
$44.99
Rare Vintage 1950's Soviet Russian Ukrainian Labor Union Pension Worker's ID
$15.00
