Summary

Alternative Name: Albanian Wedding Suit

Three piece navy blue wool suit, purchased in Wauchope New South Wales in 1944. It was worn by Albanian immigrant Pandi Thomas for his wedding to Artemissia Hari, which took place in Bagnoo New South Wales in 1944. Pandi and Artemissia's marriage was arranged through the business contacts of Pandi's brother, who introduced Pandi to Artemissia's father. After Pandi and Artemissia's father had discussed the marriage prospect, the couple met and Artemissia agreed to the marriage, as she was culturally expected to do. They were married in a Greek Orthodox wedding ceremony at Artemissa's family farm house with a priest brought in from Sydney. The couple honeymooned in Kempsey, New South Wales and then returned to Shepparton, where Pandi was living with his brother. They had five children and died within seven weeks of each other in 1995.

Pandi wore the suit for special occasions throughout his lifetime, and it is unknown whether the braces and handkerchief were part of original wedding outfit or if they were added in later years with subsequent wearing.

Physical Description

Three piece double breasted navy blue wool men's suit. The suit jacket has black lining, the navy trousers come with a set of crimson and blue striped braces, and the waistcoat has a white and blue striped lining and a black back. There is also a blue, red and yellow spotted handkerchief in the suit pocket.

Significance

Significance:
While wedding dresses are frequently preserved by families and sometimes offered to the museum, wedding suits are much more rare. This suit provides a male perspective on the wedding ritual - it was carefully selected by the wearer, well cared for and worn on other special occasions throughout his lifetime. The story of Pandi's journey north to find a bride is reinforced by the suit label identifying the vendor and the store location in Wauchope. The object carries a rich narrative, tracing a pre World War II migration experience, regional settlement, arranged marriage, and community cultural maintenance.

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