Summary

Alternative Name(s): Girdle, Zosma
Striped silk sash worn by Maria Markos. Maria was a young widow, her husband having been killed by Turkish forces (Castellorizo was under the rule of the Ottoman Empire). In 1921 she met Constantine Markos, who had fled to Castellorizo from Izmir, a Greek city in Türkiye. The couple married and in 1922 they migrated to Australia, where they settled in Fitzroy in Melbourne, and had four children.

Castellorizo was famous for the traditions of its inhabitants, particularly the beautiful, rich and magnificent women's dress. Different parts of the costume indicated a woman's social standing and life cycle (engaged, married or widowed). Traditionally many Castellorizan men were sea captains, merchants and sailors, and the richness of Castellorizan women's costumes was a statement of the wealth they acquired. This decorative costume was worn from the day of the engagement until the woman's senior years, for both celebrations and daily activities. The costume served as a statement that even if they became old they were rich enough to have another one made.

The main parts of the costume are:
Silk pantaloons (kondovratsi) which are gathered at the waist with a belt (vrakozoni)
Knee-length white chemise (poukamis) this was fastened with buckles (voukles) usually six in number.
Long Sash (zosma), made with three or four silk stripes, quilted with gold or silver thread and worn wound around the waist
Dress (kavadi or chrysos sakkos) worn open at the front
Silk jacket (zepouni)
Velvet coat (gunna) decorated with gold and silver lace on the hems and on the back, and with fur trim for those who could afford it.
Short overdress (kondochi)
Small woollen cap (raxini) encircled by a band (tsaki or kaski)
Silk shawl (krepi) imported from China or Spain, worn on the head
Shoes were shaped like tipped slippers, and were made of velvet or silk. They were laced with gold or silver thread and shorter than the foot
Women also wore many bracelets and rings and would cross their hands in front of their chest in order to show them off.

Physical Description

Long silk sash in oranage, blue, black and white, with gold fringing.

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