Doukhobor Shawl Pattern Research and Documentation Project
A Doukhobor head shawl, or platok, is steeped in tradition and time-consuming process. At first, the shawls were made of natural fibers, hand-woven and hand-dyed and served the purpose as a basic head-covering. But gradually, the platok became the "crowning glory" of Doukhobor women with hand embroidered patterns on silky materials and laboriously hand-fringed. For a period of time shawls were hand-painted rather than embroidered and were equally wonderful works of art.
Some Doukhobor women are legendary for their designs and embroidery skills. Fearing the imminent loss of these skills the USCC Cultural Interpretive Society coordinated a project to research and document shawl patterns. The purpose of the Doukhobor Shawl Pattern Research and
Documentation Project is:
- to research and record the unique history and traditions of Doukhobor shawl makers.
- to research and record patterns, layouts and styles of Doukhobor shawls.
- to increase public awareness and appreciation of Doukhobor shawls.
- to encourage the art of shawl embroidery
- to engage in education about Doukhobor shawl embroidery through lectures and other activities
The USCC Cultural Interpretive Society would like to share images of the original “paper” designs artistically created for these unique head shawls. We also gratefully accept any historical documentation of this art form as items are found in Doukhobor estate collections.
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View Examples
of Doukhobor Shawls
in our Web Gallery
