Tradition Reimagined

The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History has opened an exhibition titled Skill and Refinement, in collaboration with the “Șezătoarea Basarabia” Community. The event celebrates nine years of dedicated work by the group to revive and promote the traditional Romanian blouse with embroidery, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

The exhibition showcases 24 traditional costumes, handcrafted over the past two years by community members. Drawing inspiration from museum collections and ancestral dowry chests, the display includes a variety of blouse styles, along with two men’s shirts.

"This community has made a major contribution to preserving and promoting Romanian traditional costume," said museum director Petru Vicol, highlighting the group's role in the successful inclusion of the embroidered blouse on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Officials and guests, including State Secretary Vladimir Vornic and Romanian traditional costume expert Nelu Dumitrescu, praised the community’s efforts in strengthening cultural ties between Romania and Moldova and reviving a shared identity.

Ethnographer Varvara Buzilă emphasized the cultural impact of Șezătoarea Basarabia’s work, calling the exhibition “a monument of our resistance over time.”

Skill and Refinement is open to the public until May 31, 2025.