In the history of the world fashion belts, which are called Slutsk, have an outstanding role. The Belarusian symbol is the largest property of arts and crafts.
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Historical reference
The history of the Slutsk belts is estimated for centuries. First, similar products were supplied from the East. But already in the middle of the XVIII century, the Great Hetman Lithuanian Mikhail Kazimierz Radziwill founded the first factory in the world in Slutsk. The first woven slutz belt was released in 1758. The Armenian Hovhannes Majarants and two local artists worked on his creation. During the first few years, the Ottoman and Persian craftsmen invited by the hetman worked at the manufactory, so the patterns were of an expressed oriental character. But the time has come when the owners of the factory have ceased to need the services of foreign masters. Local masters, who have adopted the experience of the Ottomans and Persians, quickly replaced the eastern ornaments with forget-me-nots, cornflowers, daisies, oak leaves and maple. Since that time, the history of the Slutsk belt began, which looked the same as it does today.
The World of Decorative and Applied Arts
To produce such belts, craftsmen used expensive materials, such as silk, gold and silver threads. Belt in length could reach four or more meters, and in width - up to half a meter. The edges of the Slutsk belt were decorated with a patterned border, and the ends were decorated with flower-plant motifs . A notable feature of this product is that it does not have the wrong side. Thanks to the high level of skill of weavers, the belt looked flawless on both sides. The peak of skill was considered quadrilateral products, which folded in half. The central part of the belt was usually decorated with transverse or patterned stripes, mesh, peas, and the most beautiful ornaments were placed on the ends of the product. And an obligatory element is a label indicating that the belt is made in Slutsk.
By the way, we only trusted these products to representatives of the stronger sex, since there is a legend that the female hand makes the colors faded and the thread deprives the strength.
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Revival of traditions
Absolutely groundless until the beginning of the XXI century slutsk belt was forgotten. Since 2012, the Belarusian government has approved a state program to revive this element of national clothes . Slutsk Belt today is assigned the role of a souvenir, artistic stylization, a representative symbol, a museum exhibit. The largest textile enterprise of Belarus "Slutsk Belts" is gradually establishing production, which combines authentic features and innovative developments. The first belt, made of gold threads and high-quality natural silk, was solemnly presented to the President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko.
A museum of slutsk belts is also open on the basis of the enterprise. Its exposition is not too rich with exhibits yet, but tourists who will see the Belorussian belt for their first time will have something to tell their friends about. In addition, the museum can buy unique souvenir products, as well as visualize the features of the technological process of creating belts.
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