Koniaków

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Koniaków is a village (population 3,000) in Beskid Śląski mountain range in Cieszyn County, Silesian Voivodeship in Poland primarily known for its tradition of intricate lace-making. Recently, some villagers employed their skills in manufacturing lace G-strings and other underwear for women. Koniaków is also known to be the highest elevated village in Poland.

Koniakow traditional laces

Koniaków laces are handmade by crocheting cotton threads, using motifs brought from the nature. Every element is done separately and than they are all connected to each other. The tradition of lace making in Koniaków is more than 150 years old. The lace additions began appearing in pillows, shirts and blouses around 1900, and square and round table clothes were next.

Real fame was brought to Koniaków by lace table clothes and table runners, which reached the tables of kings, aristocrats, and bishops. One was prepared for Queen Elizabeth II and another for Pope John Paul II. There are many Koniaków Laces laying on altars in Poland and other countries.

The laces became subject to anger and disapproval in 2003, dividing the small Koniaków society, when some young lace makers started to make underwear out of Koniaków lace. It is seen by some elders in Koniaków as sin and a disgrace upon an ancient and respectful profession; however, the new twist on Koniaków lace was a big success.