Material: Decorated cowhide leather
Technique: Traditional leather manufacturing processes, screen printing
A tote bag called cígr, decorated with symbols of love, traditionally used in South Bohe mia, particularly in the Doudleby region, was specifically dedicated to collecting gifts for brides-to-be, and in some cases, for unmar ried mothers. During her procession through the village, the bride would appeal to Christian mercy and generosity, saying something like: “A poor maiden bride begs you, for Christ’s sake, to give her a gift and help her on her wedding day.” The contents of the cígr typically included foodstuffs essential for preparing the wedding feast—flour, eggs, butter, meat, or poppy seeds. According to long-standing folk belief, the cígr was to be stored in the attic of the household; otherwise, misfortune might befall the family. The cígr on display is a contempo rary interpretation of this traditional object— one that, the artists note, would surely resonate with today’s single mothers and fathers.
