Peculiarities of traditional costume complex of Russians in the Republic of Tatarstan

This study investigates the specific characteristics of Russian traditional attire, identifying unique sartorial elements prevalent in rural Russian communities within Tatarstan. The research methodology incorporates ethnographic fieldwork conducted by I. G. Strelkova during expeditions to multiple Russian villages in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2022. The objective of the study is to identify the characteristics of traditional clothing preserved in the villages of the Rybno- Slobodsky, Pestrechinsky, and Spassky districts of the Republic of Tatarstan. Samples of costume of the Russian old-timer population who lived in the territory of the Kazan province and the Tatar ASSR in the late 19th and early 20th centuries are analyzed. Currently, the term «traditional costume» refers to a set of clothing items that historically developed in a particular region. Over the course of historical development, two sets of women’s clothing emerged: the «sarafan set» and the «steam suit» (a jacket and a skirt). It has been revealed that the «steam suit» has currently taken a leading position and remains the most popular. As a result of I. G. Strelkova’s ethnographic expeditions, a number of surviving examples of traditional costume were discovered in the village of Russky Oshnyak in the Rybno- Slobodsky District of the Republic of Tatarstan. It was noted that the identified examples of traditional costume represent various elements of Russian women’s and men’s clothing. It was demonstrated that the features of the traditional costume have survived to this day thanks to the villagers’ careful attention to the cultural heritage of their ancestors. The paper has significant practical significance, as the findings will contribute to the revitalization of traditional Russian costume.