Historical background and roots of tradition
Sedilo, known in Sardinian as Seddilu, is a village in the Guilcier, in the inland of central-northern Sardinia, in the province of Oristano. The name probably derives from the Latin word sedulus, meaning “diligent” or “industrious”. The territory boasts very ancient origins, attested by an extraordinary density of prehistoric monuments such as the archaeological complex of Iloi, rich in nuraghi, giants’ tombs and domus de janas. A fascinating curiosity links the village to the legend of Saint Constantine the Emperor: although he is not recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church, in Sedilo he enjoys an immense and deeply rooted devotion.
Women’s dress
The traditional women’s wardrobe of Sedilo includes two main variants. The festive peasant dress consists of a red cotton scoffia (cap), a brown printed cotton scarf rolled over the forehead, and a white and a brown scarf in patterned silk. The camisa is white cotton with lace on the neckline and cuffs and pleated sleeves with sonette gathers; the cossu is a green brocatelle corselet. A white silk chest scarf completes the bodice. The skirt is red and blue striped cotton; the apron is black patterned silk.
The everyday festive dress features a more elaborate headdress: the tiazola (headband) is white linen, rectangular in shape, about thirty centimetres wide and about one metre twenty long; it frames the face passing several times under the chin, is pinned to the hair and one end falls on the right side.
At the bodice, the camisa (shirt) is white cotton with embroidery on the chest; the round neckline is closed by two small silver filigree buttons. The bustu (corselet) is white polychrome floral brocade, edged with a violet silk ribbon and laced at the front with a crossed red ribbon. The zipponi (short jacket) is black tibet wool, edged with fine black velvet ribbons; it is a small shoulder garment that leaves the bodice visible; the cuffs are adorned with two black velvet ribbons and embroidery in black thread; pleated at the front, it ends in two points and is fastened with a hook.
The munnedda (skirt) is black tibet wool, fully pleated except for the front panel covered by the apron, and edged with fine black velvet ribbons. The paru ‘e nanti (apron) is black damask silk.
Men’s dress
The traditional men’s dress of Sedilo is sober and essential. The berritta (cap) is black woollen cloth, tubular with rounded edges, about sixty centimetres long, worn falling behind the head. The camisa (shirt) is white cotton, extremely simple in make. The zippone (short jacket) is black velvet, double-breasted and embroidered on the chest; it is edged with a black wool ribbon; the back is worn outside the short skirt. The este (waistcoat) is black woollen cloth.
The cartzones (breeches) are white cotton, reaching to mid-calf, worn tucked into the gaiters. The ragas (short skirt) are black woollen cloth, pleated and edged with black velvet, reaching to mid-thigh; a narrow strip of fabric joins the front and back panels under the breeches. The mesas cartzas (gaiters) are black woollen cloth, edged with velvet on the lower part; they cover the calf and end rounded, concealing part of the shoes; they are fastened with elastic below the knee.
