Serri

The Traditional Costume of Serri

Serri is a village in the Sarcidano region, in the province of Sud Sardegna. The Sarcidano is an inland area of south-central Sardinia, characterised by plateaux and hills sloping towards the Marmilla. The etymology of the name is uncertain: some scholars suggest a pre-Roman origin, while others link it to the Latin serra (mountain chain).

Women’s everyday dress

The muccadori (headscarf) is in red cotton, square-shaped; it is folded several times, wrapped around the head passing behind the nape of the neck and fastened with two pins on top of the head. The sciallu (shawl) is in black tibet, square-shaped, hand-embroidered with polychrome floral motifs and enriched with fringe applied along the edges; it is worn folded into a triangle, frames the face, is wrapped around the neck and fastened behind the nape and on top of the head with two pins.

The camisa (shirt) is in white cotton, with a round neckline and lace applied to the collar, chest and cuffs; the fabric is gathered at the neck and cuffs; it reaches mid-calf length. The cossu (bodice) is in blue brocade with polychrome floral patterns, trimmed with a red cotton ribbon; it is fastened at the front with hooks.

The unnedda (skirt) is in red and blue striped cotton, abordau, fully pleated except for the front panel; it is trimmed with a red satin ribbon. The deventali (apron) is in black patterned silk with black floral motifs, trimmed with gold passementerie.

Men’s festive dress

The berritta (cap) is in black orbace, tubular in shape with rounded edges, about forty centimetres long; it is worn left to fall behind the head.

The camisa (shirt) is in white linen, pleated and embroidered on the chest; silver lamé and filigree buttons fasten the collar. The cropettu (waistcoat) is in black velvet on the front and in patterned silk with bordeaux floral motifs on the back; the neckline is square and it has a double-breasted closure. The cabbanu is a short black orbace coat with a hood, reaching just below the waist; the lapels, pockets and cuffs are in black velvet, with cord trim and pointed edging; it has no buttons.

The cratzonis (trousers) are in white linen, cut to mid-calf length; they are worn tucked into the gaiters. The cratzonis de arroda (short skirt) are in black orbace, pleated, reaching mid-thigh; a narrow strip of fabric joins the front and back of the short skirt, passing beneath the crotch of the trousers. The cratzas (gaiters) are in black orbace, with a velvet upper cuff and velvet trim on the lower part; they cover the calf and end in a rounded edge, concealing part of the shoes; they are fastened with a lace tied below the knee.