Paper Short Abstract:

The lecture presents the research and reconstruction of the folk dress from the village Riečnica (Kysuce region), flooded due to the construction of a reservoir. It focuses on source search, field research with former residents, and the creation of replicas for a dance choreography for folk ensemble

Paper Abstract:

This presentation delves into the process of researching and reconstructing the traditional folk dress of Riečnica, a Slovak village in the Kysuce region that was submerged in the second half of the 20th century to create a water reservoir. The displacement of its inhabitants and the flooding of the village led to the loss of tangible cultural heritage, including its folk attire. The initiative to revive this heritage arose within the framework of folklorism, particularly for a folklore ensemble’s stage performance aimed at preserving and showcasing the dances and traditions of the vanished village.

The lecture will cover the various stages of this reconstruction process. These include archival research to identify historical documentation of the village’s attire, field research conducted with former residents and their descendants to gather oral histories and photographs, and the challenges of interpreting and reproducing the dress. The focus will also extend to the practical aspects of creating replicas, such as selecting materials, crafting techniques, and stylization for stage use.

The destruction of Riečnica due to the reservoir’s construction ironically spurred a targeted effort to preserve and document the region’s cultural heritage. Systematic research was undertaken to record and safeguard elements of traditional folk culture. This preservation not only kept the memory of the submerged village alive but also highlighted the critical role of traditional dress and other cultural expressions in maintaining regional identity. This case study demonstrates how even the loss of a community can become a catalyst for cultural preservation, inspiring similar efforts worldwide.