• Wool, cotton

• 1865

• Donated by Mrs. Dalavrak

• Sniatyn ; Sniatyn Raion ; Ivano-Frankivs'k ; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1948.0015]

This nalavnyk (bench cover) was made in 1865. Bench covers were hand woven and were both decorative and functional in that they made a hard wooden bench more comfortable. This nalavnyk is made with both cotton and woolen threads.

• Linen, wool, leather, beads, cotton, felt

• 1936

• Donated by Unknown

• Kosiv Raion; Ivano-Frankivs'k Oblast’, Hutsul Region; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1944.0033]

This Hutsul doll in the Kosiv style was hand-crafted in 1936 and featured in the Toronto Dominion Bank 1961 calendar.  The act of making dolls and dressing them in traditional attire was a valiant effort to retain traditions and Ukrainian culture during the Soviet era.  Soviet produced dolls were generally all similarly dressed in the style of the capital, Kyiv.  Dolls that were dressed in  traditional attire from oth er regions of Ukraine were only produced by hand in homes and were rarely seen in the diaspora.

• Linen, embroidery threads

• Donated by Mrs. Gulay

• Ukraine 

• [UMCO.1944.0028]

We do not have detailed provenance for this beautiful rushnyk . A rushnyk is a ritual cloth that is often decorated with traditional and pagan symbols. It was draped around icons and used to decorate items such as tables and windows. Our Museum founders decided it was worthy of inclusion amongst the first 50 artifacts accessioned in our Museum’s inaugural year.

• Heavy linen, embroidery threads

• 1912

• Donated by Hafia Bodnar

• Sheho ; Saskatchewan ; Canada & Horoshivtsi; Bukovyna Region;  Ukraine

• [UMCO.1950.0002]

This sorochka (embroidered shirt) was brought to Canada and then embroidered in Sheho, Saskatchewan in 1912. It is a traditional “ustavkova sorochka” which means it has shoulder insets attached to the bodice which extends the neckline. The neckline is gathered and drawn with a strong red string. The sleeves of this sorochka are made of the traditional three sections: the ustavka, the morshchynka and the rukav (sleeve) and features a Tree of  Life pattern.

• Linen, embroidery threads

• 1921

• Donated by Unknown

• Sokal’ Raion, Poland (was part of the Sokal' Raion, L'viv Oblast’)

• [UMCO.1956.0003]

This sorochka (embroidered shirt) was made in 1921 in the Sokal’ region, L’viv Oblast’. This area was later incorporated into Poland and renamed. Though colours can sometimes be found in Sokal’ embroidery, most of the existing examples are black. The cuffs are quite wide and there is a large sailor type collar.

• Linen, beads, cotton embroidery threads.

• Late 19th century

• Donated by Unknown

• Chernivtsi Oblast’ ; Bukovyna Region ; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1952.0006]

This sorochka (embroidered shirt) is also an “ustavkova sorochka” with shoulder insets attached to the bodice. It features both beautiful embroidery and beadwork which is often found in the Bukovyna region. It was made in the late 19th century.

• Velvet, satin lining, sequins, beads.

• Made by Jean Wachna's sister 

• Donated by Anna Kluchko

• Stryi ; Stryi Raion ; L'viv Oblast’ ; Ukraine.

• [UMCO.1965.0013]

This beautiful velvet vest is lined in blue satin and decorated with sequins, cut glass and round glass beads. It was made by Museum founder Jean Wachna’s sister in Ukraine and brought to Canada in 1936. It was used for the choir at the Ukrainian National Home in Toronto, where Yuriy Hasan was its director.

Military jacket

• Serge cloth

• Donated by Anna Chuliy

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1968.0012]

Military cap with Trident brooch

• Serge cloth

• Donated by Anna Chuliy

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1968.0013]

This jacket and cap are part of the uniform of the Sich Riflemen, a military unit of the Ukrainian People’s Republic. In 1919 the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen expanded into the Ukrainian Galician  Army. They participated in the Polish–Ukrainian War around L’viv and suffered heavy losses. On May 2, 1920, the unit was disbanded. The jacket was worn by donor Anna Chuliy’s brother in WWI.

• Linen, embroidery threads

• Donated by Anna Shlikuliwna

• Kolinkivtsi, Chernivtsi Raion, Chernivtsi Oblast’, Bukovyna, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1964.0015]

This beautiful podushka (pillow) features flat-stitch, running stitch, half-cross stitch and cross stitch. It originates from the Bukovyna region from which many of our immigrants hailed. It was included in this exhibition because the curatorial team fell in love with it!

• Cotton, silk threads, wool

• Donated by Mary Pelipiak

• Chernivtsi Oblast’ ; Bukovyna Region ; Ukraine 

• [UMCO.1969.0008 - .0010]

This elegant man’s ensemble is a beautiful representation of the Bukovyna region that so many of our Ukrainians came from in the first two periods of immigration. This sophisticated attire would certainly only have been used for festive occasions.

• Item descriLinen, metallic thread, beads, sequins, white cotton, sheepskin, threads

• Donated by Jean Wachna

• Chernivtsi Oblast’, Bukovyna, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1965.0009 - .0011]

This charming three-piece ensemble was donated to the Museum by founder Jean Wachna. The sorochka (shirt) is homespun and embroidered. It was used for festive occasions throughout the year. It employs a geometric and floral design. The ensemble comes from the Bukovyna region. A wrap-around skirt (UMCO.1973.0013) and sash (kraika) (UMCO.1965.0012) have been added to complete the outfit.

• Wood, beads

• Donated by Mrs. Podilska

• Hutsul Region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1965.0026]

This wooden plaque is hand carved and encrusted with beads and features a Tryzub (Ukrainian coat of arms). It was donated in 1965 and it is important to note this yellow Tryzub on a blue background. This indicates a proud Ukrainian national and political identity despite Soviet occupation. The bravery exhibited in the creation of this plaque may be explained by the plaque’s origins deep in the Carpathian Mountains where acts of defiance against Soviet rule continued audaciously.

• 1930-1931

• Wood, rye bread, beads, straw, paint, velvet, silk

• Made by the donor Jean Wachna's brother Julian Ivanchuk

• Donated by Jean Wachna

• Stryi, Stryi Raion, L'viv Oblast’, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1969.0026, .0029, .0030]

These three wooden boxes were crafted by founder Jean Wachna’s brother, Julian Ivanchuk, in Striy Prison in 1930 where he shared a cell with four other student political prisoners. His younger brother Justin Ivanchuk, brought food to the students everyday as none was provided. The prisoners gifted the boxes to Justin to thank him. Julian died in prison in 1931 and the others were tortured to death within 5 years.

Iron / Праска / Fer à repasser

• Iron

• Donated by Anna Chuliy

• Kyiv ; Kyiv Oblast’ ; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1968.0014]

Food mortar / Ступка / Mortier alimentaire

• Wood

• Donated by Anna Slon

• Canada

• [UMCO.1967.0018]

Food mortar / Ступка / Mortier alimentaire

• Cast iron

• Donated by Anna Chuliy

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1960.0005]

Roasting pan / Жаровня / Plat à rôtir

• Cast iron

• Donated by Anna Chuliy

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1960.0007]

Bread pan / Хлібниця / Moule à pain

• Galvanized tin

• Donated by Anna Chuliy

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1960.0006]

These household  tools were brought to Canada by Anna Chuliy when she immigrated between the two world wars. People often brought items that they believed would be useful but also those that would allow them to continue their traditions and customs from home. The baking pan for Easter bread is a particularly good example. When you find a pan that works for your paska or babka, you cherish it. The wooden mortar was made in Canada and donated by Anna Slon.

• Cotton

• 1954

• Made by Maria Hayiv

• Donated by J. Terelya

• Siberia, Russia

• [UMCO.1989.0056]

Maria Hayiv, born in Volechova, Ukraine was arrested in 1946 for political activity and was sent to a Siberian mining camp as punishment. In 1954 she embroidered this sorochka (shirt) for fellow prisoner Mykola Mamus in support of a strike in the neighbouring men’s camp. Mykola would spend many years in prison and was finally released in 1987.

• Wool

• 1895

• Donated by Ivanka Petriwska

• L’viv region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1985.0017]

This lovely zapaska (overskirt) has a remarkable story! It was woven in 1895 and was gifted to Mrs. Maraz by the famous Ukrainian poet and author, Ivan Franko who purchased it in a market in L’viv.

• Silk, cotton, metal poles, metal loops

• Made into a wall hanging in 19th century

• Donated by Yaroslava Steciw, 1980

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1980.0095]

This tapestry was originally part of a Het’man Cossack sash (Slutskyy Poyas) but was later made into a wall hanging decoration in the 19 th century. The name Slutskyy Poyas comes from the city of Slutsk in Belarus where they were made. They were woven from fine silk, gold and silver threads. The length of the belt reached from 2.0 to 4.5 meters, and the width from 30 to 50cm. The belts were decorated along the edges with a patterned border and the ends with a pattern composed of plant, folk and oriental motifs.

• Linen, cotton, chiffon velvet, rayon lining, satin back polyester, artificial flowers, rayon ribbons, aluminum, paper, wax paper, plastic, beads, leather

• 1982-1985

• Made by Mrs. Catherine Hladun

• Donated by UWAC, Lesia Ukrainka Branch

• Montreal, Quebec, Canada

• Stylistic Origin: Poltava Oblast’, Central Dnipro Region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1985.0001 - 0007]

This 8 piece Poltava-style outfit was made by the members of the Ukrainian Women’s Association of Canada (UWAC), Lesia Ukrainka Branch in Montreal, Quebec. Since fewer Ukrainian immigrants came from the Poltava region and they arrived with far fewer reminders from home, the UWAC Lesia Ukrainka Branch offered to recreate the traditional attire and gift it to the Museum.

• White clay, glaze

• 1970

• Made by Yaroslava Steciw

• Donated by Yaroslava Steciw

• Rochester, New York, USA

• [UMCO.1980.0107]

This plate is in the style of the Trypillian culture which originated around 500 BC. However, the eagle design was found on Kyiv tiles during the princely era of Kyivan Rus’(837-1240). It is titled “Orly” (Eagles) and is from a set of 26. The eagles represent strength and speed. The spiral ornament on the wing of the eagle is a symbol of eternal life. The plate is also decorated with life sustaining plant motifs.

• Wool

• Early 20th century

• Original owner: Maria Boychuk

• Donated by Yvonne Ivanochko

• Slobidka, Kosiv Raion, Ivano-Frankivs’k Oblast’, Hutsul Region, Ukraine

• [UMCO 1988.0003]

This wool bag employs a complex pattern of black, yellow and beige. It was made sometime in the early 20th century and could be carried by a man, a woman or a pack animal. It belonged to the Museum Executive Administrator Tamara Ivanochko’s great-grandmother.

• Glass beads, paints, metal

• Around 1926

• Donated by Mrs. Zavadska-Zayats

• Roztoky; Putyla Raion; Chernivtsi Oblast’ ; Hutsul Region ; Ukraine ;

• [UMCO.1987.0041.16]

This unusual little namysto (necklace) has 52 small clear purple beads and 15 larger hand-painted beads of different sorts. The beads were collected from many houses in several different villages including Roztoky and Biloberizka around 1926.

• Ceramic beads

• Owned by Anna Lawryk

• Donated by Lesia Fedak

• Ukraine

• [UMCO.1983.0057]

The namysto (necklace) features beads that are hand-painted to resemble Millefiori Murano Glass beads from Venice. The necklace was originally owned by Anna Lawryk’s family and was buried in the garden to keep it safe when the family fled their home during WWI in 1917. It remained buried until 1924. Anna Lawryk gifted them to her daughter-in-law, Lesia Fedak, who donated them to the Museum

• Reste de chemise brodée

• Cotton, metal clasps, embroidery threads

• 1950-1952

• Donated by Anastasia Perozak

• Sadky, Chortkiv Raion, Ternopil' Oblast’, Ukraine

• [UMCO.1994.0040]

These remnants from a boy’s sorochka (shirt) are a beautiful example of political rebellion. Made between 1950 - 1952 the fetching embroidery features everything Ukrainians were not allowed to embroider during Soviet rule. Firstly, the use of blue and yellow embroidery thread side by side in any pattern was forbidden. Secondly, the blue and yellow thread was used to embroider the Ukrainian coat of arms, the Tryzub, and the L’viv lion - both symbols prohibited by the Soviet regime. We don’t know for sure why only the embroidered sections survived but often these sorochky were buried for safe keeping while the rest of the fabric disintegrated.

• Linen

• Early 20th century

• Vinnytsia Oblast’; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1991.0013]

A rushnyk is a ceremonial cloth that is often decorated with traditional and pagan symbols. It was used as decoration around that house such as on windows, tables, and around icons.  It is also used in many ways during the Ukrainian wedding ritual. This beautiful rushnyk is embroidered with large rich flowers.

• Wood, stain

• Mid 20th century

• Donated by Maria Kwas

• Yavoriv ; Yavoriv Raion ; L'viv Oblast’ ; Opillia Region ; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1990.0066.29]

This box depicts Taras Shevchenko (1814-1861) who was a poet, writer, artist and public figure. He is credited with the development of modern Ukrainian literature and language. He is the Bard of Ukraine and referred to as a prophet despite being born a serf. His work broke new ground by addressing important societal and political topics that other writers did not address. Shevchenko was a political prisoner for much of his life where he wrote much of his poetry. To this day he is seen as a symbol of Ukrainian identity, unity and freedom. “Taras Shevhenko! One person was enough to save an entire nation!” – Ostap Vyshnya (Ukrainian author).

• Linen, wool

• Early 20th century

• Donated by Anna Sawchuk-Olexiuk

• Vil'khovets'; Borshchiv Region; Ternopil' Oblast’; Pokuttia Region; Ukraine

• [UMCO.1990.0027, .0032 - .0034]

This stunning ensemble is a wonderful example of the colour and stitches of the Borshchiv region.  In Ukraine, hundreds of embroidery stitches have been recorded. In the Borshchiv region, up to 25 were used including kolodky (half cross stitch), bytym (outline stitch), verkhoplut (topwinder or surface stitch) and hlad’ (satin stitch). Together, the use of these stitches and black wool thread creating dimension and density. There are several theories that explain why there is so much black embroidery in this region but the simplest may actually be the most likely - the region has a great number of black sheep.

• Wool, embroidery threads

• 1969

• Made by Hanna Vasylaschuk

• Donated by Halya and Roman Sluzar

• Sheshory, Kosiv Raion, Ivano-Frankivs’k Oblast’, Hutsul Region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2004.0029.19]

The woven wall-hanging was crafted by Hanna Vasylaschuk in 1969 and is called “My Evening Star” (Zore Moje Vechirniaia) based on a poem called “The Princess” which begins with the line “My Evening Star”. The poem was written by Taras Schevchenko (1814-1861) a prominent Ukrainian poet and artist.and artist.

• Late 19th century

• Donated by Anna Bajer

• Owned by Hania and Kharetana Dubovic

• Sosnivka, Haidach Raion, Poltava Oblast’, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2003.0083]

This sorochka from Sosnivka, Haidach Raion, Poltava Oblast’ in Ukraine was made in the late 19th century. It was originally owned by donor Anna Bajer's grandmothers Hania and Kharetana Dubovic. It features diagonal branches of six blue leaves with white dots each stemming from a narrow beige band separated by diagonal eyelets in beige threadwork. There are blue zigzag stripes with beige eyelet thread work on the shoulder band which is bordered by thin blue zigzags and triangles with blossoms on the outside.

• Homespun fabric; linen; velvet, cotton, lace

• Early 20th century

• Donated by Tamara Koszarny

• Pozniaky in the Darnitskyy District of Kyiv; Kyiv Oblast’; Central Dnipro region; Ukraine

• [UMCO.2008.0013-.0018]

This six piece outfit was made in the early 20th century and represents a district of Ukraine’s capital Kyiv well. Its authenticity and accuracy was what prompted our long-time Museum member Tamara Koszarny to acquire it on our behalf. It is a beautiful example of the style of the Central Dnipro ethnographic region.

• Hemp, cotton thread

• 1967

• Original owner: Sophia Lysy (Kindiak)

• Donated by Vera Seychuk

• Tyahiv, Sokal’ Raion, L’viv Oblast’, Opillia, Ukraine & Canada 

• [UMCO.2018.0105]

The hemp cloth used to make this obrus (tablecloth) had been brought to Canada by Sophia Lysy (nee Kowal) whose grandfather had woven it by hand. Sophia fused the three panels of hemp cloth using a decorative joining stitch to create this exquisite heirloom. She embroidered this obrus on the anniversary of Canada’s Centennial in 1967.

• Wood, copper, metal, gold plate, gems

• Donated by Sonia Solomon

• Hutsul Region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2017.0346]

The Topirets' is sometimes called the Shepherd's Axe. It may have been used as a walking stick, a weapon to fend off wolves and other threats to the flock, or to clear bushes, brush, and brambles from the path. Historically, it was used by shepherds in the Carpathian Mountains. It may have also been used in traditional Ukrainian dances.This is a fine example of wood and metal work. The wooden axe has a metallic gold-plated (over copper) head and part of the handle. The metal portions are rich with decorative engraving plus the head is also embellished with multicoloured circular inlaid gems.dances.This is a fine example of wood and metal work. The wooden axe has a metallic gold-plated (over copper) head and part of the handle. The metal portions are rich with decorative engraving plus the head is also embellished with multicoloured circular inlaid gems.

• Early 20th century

• Donated by Tamara Koszarny

• Trudove, Kreminna Raion, Luhans'k Oblast’; Ukraine

• [UMCO.2015.0020]

This attractive red and white woven rushnyk was handmade in the early 20th century in Trudove, Kreminna Raion, Luhans’k Oblast’.  Luhansk Oblast’ is an Oblast’ in Eastern Ukraine, it is bordered by Kharkiv to the northwest, Donet’sk to the southwest, and Russia to the east. The area has been under Russian occupation since 2014 and was annexed completely in 2022,

• Cotton, cotton embroidery threads.

• Made around 1920

• Owned by John Tymchuk

• Donated by Patricia Ryan

• Rivnia, Rozhniativ Raion, Ivano-Frankivs'k Oblast’, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2017.0065]

In 1930 Mary Tymchuk immigrated to Canada with her four children. She was met by her husband John who had arrived two years earlier. Once united in Canada the Tymchuk's used written correspondence to keep in close contact with their relatives back home. In one letter, sent by Mary's father Pylyp, he asks "...is it possible to seek advice from your governments to find out if a 70 year old father could come to Canada to join his children?” This letter and dozens more were recently donated to the Museum by Patricia Ryan (nee Tymchuk) along with numerous photos and two of Mary's beautiful sorochky (shirts). This is one of those sorochky.

• Linen, wool, leather, sheepskin

• Mid 20th century

• Donated by Marta Replansky

• Kosmach, Kosiv Raion, Ivano-Frankivs’k Oblast’,  Hutsul region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2014.0035, .0036, .0038 - .0040, .0042]

In 1970 Marta Replansky and her parents enjoyed a trip to Ukraine to visit with family from the town of Kosmach in the Hutsul Region of Ukraine. Upon returning to Canada, her parents sent 1,000 metal rivets to Marta’s uncle Bohdan Replansky who arranged to have this bonny Hutsul outfit made especially for Marta. The rivets are a small but very important part of this traditional woman’s ensemble that Marta Replansky donated to our Museum in 2014. She looks forward to photographing it as part of this exhibition in order to send the photo to her uncle Bohdan who still lives in Kosmach to this day!

• Cotton mix fabric, embroidery threads

• Between 1942-1944

• Donated by Lidia Smilka

• Kolyndyany, Chortkiv Raion, Ternopil' Oblast’, Podillia Region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2016.0087]

Originally a shirt embroidered by donor Lidia Smilka’s mother Olha Mandzij Dzhumaha when she was 15. Olha had started work as an elementary school teacher in her village at age 15 and this shirt was part of her uniform. When she was 16 , the russians invaded her village and wearing nationalistic clothing was forbidden. For decades, the shirt was hidden in Olha’s house ; After Ukraine’s Independence in 1991, she pulled out the shirt, but most of it had disintegrated except for the collar.

• Wool

• Mid 20th century 

• Donated by Scott Stefura and Danovia Stechishin

• Hutsul region, Ukraine

• [UMCO.2020.0037]

This beautiful Hutsul kylym was acquired by Danovia Stechishin on one of her many extensive trips to Ukraine between 1984-95 when she visited over 100 remote villages where she also began collecting Ukrainian folk and dance costumes. In the first few years of her trips to Ukraine, the Soviet Union forbade foreigners to travel into the Carpathian Mountains so Danovia camped in the forests and visited each village surreptitiously so as to avoid bringing trouble to the villagers from the Soviet government.

• Canadian West

• Donated by Vera and John Seychuk 

• [To Be Accessioned]

This spinning wheel was built and used by Ukrainians in the Canadian West.