Ozieri

The Traditional Dress of Ozieri

Ozieri, known in Sardinian as Otieri and locally as Ottiéri, is the largest centre in Monteacuto, in the province of Sassari, at 390 m above sea level. The ancient name Othieri has a disputed etymology: the most widely accepted scholarly hypothesis links it to a Proto-Sardinian root relating to a place rich in water springs; popular tradition instead tells of the union of eight ancient villages; a third theory, now considered outdated, proposed a Phoenician root — Otzer, meaning “cold place” or “strong place”. The territory is world-renowned for the Ozieri Culture, one of the most important Neolithic civilisations of Sardinia (4th–3rd millennium BC), whose remains are preserved in the Grotto of San Michele. The traditional dress stands out for the striking prevalence of black in the women’s gala costume, relieved only by vivid red coral necklaces, and for the green velvet corpetto of the men’s festive dress.

Women’s dress

The scarf muccaloru is of beige silk, square, worn folded as a triangle with the ends tucked in at ear level. The mantle mantu is of black satin: it covers the bust completely, is placed over the head and tied at the waist with a lace, while part of it falls behind over the skirt. The short jacket ilgiacca is of black cotton lace with a black satin lining: fitted and high-necked, it is hand-embroidered and fastens with hooks on the left side. The skirt unnedda is of black cloth, entirely pleated except for the front panel, which is covered by the apron and closes with flower-shaped buttons. The apron pannellu is of black damascened satin. To complete the costume, striking multi-strand red coral necklaces bring a warm accent of colour to the ensemble.

Men’s dress

The cap berritta is of black cloth, tubular with rounded edges, about sixty centimetres long, worn falling behind the head. The shirt entone is of white cotton, of an extremely simple cut. The corpetto corittu is of green velvet, double-breasted with a side pocket. The short coat gabbaneddu is of black orbace, with a hood and waist-length; the lapels and cuffs are finished in black velvet. The trousers caltzones are of black orbace, tubular in shape, fastening with buttons at the front and a lace at the back.