Kabile Women's Folk CostumeFold-out, Latvian State Printing House, 1958

WOMEN’S NATIONAL COSTUME OF THE KABILE DISTRICT

The «sagsha» — or shawl — worn in these parts differed from those worn elsewhere in Latvia. It was smaller in size and heavily embroidered in characteristic ornaments, in red, blue and yellow wool. The embroidery bordered the bottom and side hems in a solid belt, edged with finer ornaments. A «sun» ornament, half red and half green, was embroidered in each of the lower corners. The side edges had a multi-coloured trimming («celu apauds») and short fringes

Plain white or coloured chequered woollen shawls were also common. The shawls were put loosely about the shoulders.

The blouse had a turn-down collar, attached yoke, and broad cuffs. Collar and cuffs were trimmed with crocheted lace. Sometimes one-way drawn-thread work was added for greater adornment. The blouse was tied at the neck with white string or fastened with a small silver or mother-of-pearl «sakta» (brooch).

The skirt was finely striped and gathered on to a belt of the same material. Bodices and jackets were rarely worn.

Young girls would wear a tall coronet, made of red cloth on a cardboard foundation, and decked with fancy work in glass beads and little tubes.

The married women's head-dress was either a linen bonnet trimmed with lace-work in front, or a coloured bonnet. But these were reserved for greater occasions, while flowered kerchiefs served for everyday wear.