The World of Weaving. Katalin Polónyi Textile Museum of Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University

Author

Gal Adel

a Ph.D. in Humanities, an associate professor at the Philology Department of Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University (Berehovo, Ukraine).

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2032-709X

The World of Weaving. Katalin Polónyi Textile Museum of Ferenc Rakoczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian University

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the presentation of the Katalin Polónyi Textile Museum at the Ferenc Rákóczi Transcarpathian Hungarian University as one of the leading institutions for the preservation and promotion of traditional weaving and embroidery in Transcarpathia. The study is aimed at providing a comprehensive description of the museum collection with a particular focus on the most typical motifs of woven and sewn textiles from the Berehove region, as well as at exploring the collection contributing to the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Transcarpathian region.

The history of the museum, opened in 2008 based on the private collection of the Honored Folk Artist of Ukraine Katalin Polónyi, is described in the work. Her significance in reviving the Berehove region weaving traditions, organizing handicraft production, introducing weaving education in schools, and developing a collection that currently comprises 545 inventory items and continues to grow, is considered. A distinctive feature of the exhibition is that it presents finished textile products – tablecloths, napkins, wedding towels, christening cloths, aprons, and folk clothing items – as well as the complete process of hemp and flax processing, from spinning to weaving, including the required tools. The museum’s three main halls (the exhibition hall, storage, and the hall dedicated to spinning and weaving tools) ensure a coherent and visually clear presentation.

A separate section of this study is dedicated to the ornamentation of Berehove embroidery and textiles. The most common motifs include the tree of life, paired birds, plant compositions (tulip, carnation, grape, oak leaf), heraldic designs, and the local “wolf paw” motif. The aesthetic and symbolic significance of these decorations, as well as the interlacing of Christian and folk motifs, are emphasized in the article.

Special attention is paid to the analysis of individual samples of folk clothing, in particular the attire from Velyka Dobron, which elements have a history of over a century. Men’s aprons and women’s mourning clothes are unique for the region.

It is proved in the study that the museum is not merely a repository of material artifacts, but a living cultural and educational center. It contributes to the preservation of Transcarpathian multinational cultural identity and the transfer of traditional crafts to future generations through the exhibitions, professional events, and educational activities.

Keywords

museum, textile museum, Berehovo weaving, national costume, folk culture, tradition.

References

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