This child's Kyjovsky kroj dating from 1947 is a well provenenced example of traditional dress from the Kyjov region in South Moravia now in Czech Republic. Worn by Olga Slezacek (nee Kupkova) when she was five years old the outfits style and design reflects the importance placed on communicating and celebrating regional identity through dress.

Also part of this donation are Olga's mother's Hanácký kroj and 'Hanácký Kroj' book explaining the social significance of regional dress and the very specific conventions for manufacture and wear.
Furthermore, as records of Czechoslovakian immigration in New South Wales, the garments form part of an important historical narrative concerning the experience of refugee escape and settlement in Australia.

The significance of the costume collection is further increased by its well provenanced history associated with the Skacelova/Kupkova/Slezalek family and the accompanying photographs of Olga Kupkova wearing the Hanácký kroj and Olga Slezalek wearing the childs Kyjovsky kroj.

Glynis Jones, Curator and Sarah Crowe, intern, May 2011.

References

Ci�ková, M. and V, Prostejove. 1940. Hanácký Kroj. Czechoslovakia.

Hargreaves, B. n.d. Migrants of the Nepean Valley. NSW.

Snowden, J. 1979. The Folk Dress of Europe. Mills and Boon: London, Sydney, Toronto.

The child's Kyjovsky kroj was worn by Olga Slezacek, daughter of Olga Kupkova (nee Skacelova). She wore the outfit in 1947 but does not recall whether her mother contributed to the production of this garment or whether it was commercially made and purchased by her mother.

The Kyjovsky kroj was owned and worn by the donor Olga Slezacek (nee Kupkova, b1943), and is a child's version of traditional dress from Kyjov region in South Moravia, hence it is called Kyjovsky kroj. Olga wore the costume on special occasions.

Ivo and Olga Slezacek, who married in the early 1960s, arrived in Australia on 18 November, 1968 as refugees fleeing the Russian and Allied army occupation of Czechoslovakia. A few days after Russia occupied the county on 21 August, 1968, Ivo, who had graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1959, commenced a scholarship tour in West Germany. Olga stayed in Brno with their three year old daughter, Yvette, before travelling to Austria where she met Sylvia Segenreich, cousin of her brother in law, Paul, who lived in Australia. Ivo joined his family the following day and they later immigrated to Australia, settling in Penrith.

Three years later the Slezacek family became Australian citizens in November 1971. Ivo registered as a Veterinary Surgeon in NSW, becoming a partner in the Veterinary Surgery on Belmore Street in Penrith, before obtaining a position as a Veterinary Officer at the College of Advanced Education, and opening a private practice in Stafford Street, Penrith in 1977. Before arriving in Australia Olga had completed a degree in Agricultural Economy, in Australia she initially ran a home beauty salon, then worked as a Technical Officer Scientific in Animal Sciences at the Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Richmond, and later completed a Masters Thesis on the Growth Rate and Composition in Lambs. Olga retired from her position of Faculty Executive Officer at the University of Western Sydney in 1996.

Clothing ensemble, traditional folk dress (Kyjovsky kroj ), girls, cotton / lace / linen, maker unknown, worn by Olga Slezacek (nee Kupkova)., South Moravia, former Czechoslovakia (present Czech Republic), 1947

The girl's Kyjovsky kroj is comprised of a petticoat, fertusek, kosile, kordulka, kerchief and braid. With a centre opening and narrow waist tie, the linen petticoat is pleated into a waistband and trimmed with lace around the hem. Made from black cotton with multicoloured floral and foliage embroidery, the fertusek apron secures with two tape ties at the back waist. There is a broad band of multicoloured bobbin lace around the hem. A length of floral ribbon is tucked into the waist and drapes to the floor. The kosile, or white linen blouse, features gathered puff sleeves with cuffs trimmed in broderie Anglaise embroidery. Tape ties fasten the centre front opening at a high neckline. Worn over the kosile, the kodulka sleeveless vest is made from green cotton with a floral braid and metallic lace trim. The centre front opening fastens with two buttons and there are three red circular medallions across the back trimmed with silver sequins. A linen kerchief, to be worn around the neck is embroidered with black floral and foliage motifs and trimmed with white and grey bobbin lace.

Made: 1947

2011/48/2

1947