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Costume, Holiday

Object number2005.50.1 a-f

Date1990

Mediumsheepskin/feathers/metal/paper/plastic/thread/twigs/dried beans

Credit LineGift of Slovenian Heritage Association

DescriptionKurent or Korant costume.Dimensions(a) L: 53 in. W: 32.5 in.
(b) L: 61 in. W: 31 in.
(c) H: 7-8 in. W: 6-7.5 in.
(d) L: 33 in W: 1.5 in.
Historical NotesThis costume was used by the Slovenian Hertiage Association of Monroeville at their events from 1993-2004. Label TextThis costume represents the Korant or Kurent, a popular figure in Slovenian folklore. Slovenian legend holds that the Korant rescued one boy and one girl from the universal floods, and from these two children descended all Slovenians. In more recent times the Korant is seen as a symbol of reawakening and good luck. Wearing a belt of cow bells and carrying a wooden club with hedgehog spines wrapped around the end, it appears at the springtime carnival and “frightens away the winter.” Ordered in 1990 from a craftsman in Ptuj, Slovenia, the outfit took almost three years to create. It survived a separation with its maker during the 1991 Slovenian War of Independence and finally reached Western Pennsylvania in March of 1993. Funding for the purchase and shipment of the costume came from members of the Slovenian Heritage Association (SHA), a Monroeville-based group founded in 1984 to celebrate Slovenian culture. The Korant suit was worn at SHA events and was a central feature of their Pittsburgh Folk Festival display.

Previous owner Slovenian Heritage Association

Related person Joseph Sprohar

Related person Mary Sprohar

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