Text and photo Laila Duran ©
It was one of those rare autumn days when the air was crisp and clear and the colors sparkling like gold. Thomas Johansson and his wife Ingrid Strömvall had prepared a selection of costumes from Toarp parish in Åhs Härad for our photoshoot. The ladies where dressed in shifts, bodices, jackets, skirts and aprons and the peddler himself brought the goods of his trade. The Borås Open Air Museum was hospitable and opened up their facilities on this weekend and we found the surrounding stunning.
Young ladies dressed in their Sunday best. The round little caps named “trindmössa” were worn to church on a regular Sunday.
The wool bodices and skirts are trimmed with silk ribbon. The skirt is printed with an intricate pattern and the white stockings are beautifully embroidered.
Ingrid Strömvall is wearing a “stopamössa”, a black velvet cap used on festive occasions. The half gloves are embroidered with silk yarn.
Very often we find that the “treasures” of folk costume handicraft are hidden at first sight. Ingrid is wearing a beautifully trimmed skirt and apron, finely knitted stockings with elaborate embroidery, and shoes to die for.
Thomas Johansson, the peddler from Toarp, wearing his “moneybelt”, an accessory both beautiful and functional.
The peddler would bring all kinds of goods to the countryside ladies. Cloth, yarn, ribbons and lovely printed cotton.
In the background you see Kinnarumma Church from 1690, today situated at Borås Open Air Museum.
For more information about the costumes of Toarp please visit http://www.toarpsdrakt.blogspot.com/
All text and photos are protected by Copyright.