BEADWORK

Beadwork is a technique and a type of ornament in which small glass beads are strung and interlaced into patterned webs. In Ukraine beaded adornment is a special pride of folk art: gerdany, also called sylianky (narrow beaded ribbon-necklaces falling over the chest, in places shaped as wide openwork collars), were an obligatory part of festive dress, especially in the Hutsul region and Bukovyna. Each region had its own colours and geometric ornaments, and the very process of beading demanded great patience and precision. Beaded ornaments carry both decorative and symbolic meaning. Today gerdany and sylianky are returning to fashion as a bright, authentic ethnic accent.