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The Arts Intel Report

Traditional Jewellery and Dress from the Balkans

May 7, 2020 – Sept 20, 2021
Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK

The Balkans stretch from the Ionian sea in the west to the Turkish straits in the east, and historically have been a region of much intrigue. A geographic area that serves as Europe’s southeast border, it contains six countries (including Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo) and partially contains another seven (Croatia, Greece, Italy, Turkey, etc.) This user-friendly introduction to the Balkans views the region through each country’s traditional clothing and jewelry. The objects combine European and Euro-Asian elements in a dazzling array of patterns, styles, and colors. Each tells its own story. —E.C.

Married woman from Galičnik in festive dress. Courtesy of Ken Ward.