Koniaków

Infobox Settlement
official_name = Koniaków
native_name =
nickname =
settlement_type = Village
motto =

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image_caption = View of Koniaków


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image_shield =
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pushpin_label_position = bottom
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subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Poland
subdivision_type1 = Voivodeship
subdivision_name1 = Silesian
subdivision_type2 = County
subdivision_name2 = Cieszyn
subdivision_type3 = Gmina
subdivision_name3 = Istebna
subdivision_type4 =
subdivision_name4 =
government_footnotes =
government_type =
leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = Teresa Stańko
established_title =
established_date =
unit_pref =
area_footnotes =
area_total_km2 = 14.69
area_land_km2 =
population_as_of = 2004
population_footnotes =
population_note =
population_total = 3605
population_density_km2 = auto
timezone = CET
utc_offset = +1
timezone_DST = CEST
utc_offset_DST = +2
latd= 49 |latm= 33 |lats= 6.15 |latNS= N
longd= 18 |longm= 56 |longs= 26.94 |longEW= E
elevation_footnotes =
elevation_m =
postal_code_type = Postal code
postal_code = 43-474
area_code =
blank_name = Car plates
blank_info = SCI
website =
footnotes =

Audio|Koniakow.ogg|Koniaków is a village in Beskid Śląski mountain range in Cieszyn County, Silesian Voivodeship, southern Poland. It is the highest elevated village in Silesian Beskids and lies in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia. The village is primarily known for its tradition of intricate lace-making. Recently, some villagers employed their skills in manufacturing lace underwear for women.

Koniaków lace

The tradition of lace making in Koniaków is more than 150 years old. [http://koniakow.com/jak_powstaje_en.php KONI-art website] ] Koniaków laces are handmade by crocheting cotton thread, using motifs inspired by nature. Lace motifs are worked separately then connected to form larger pieces. The lace additions began appearing in pillows, shirts, blouses, and tablecloths around 1900.

Real fame was brought to Koniaków by lace tablecloths and table runners, which reached the tables of kings, aristocrats, and bishops. One was prepared for Queen Elizabeth II and another for Pope John Paul II. There are many examples of Koniaków lace laying on altars in Poland and other countries.

Lace-making became subject to anger and disapproval in 2003, dividing the small Koniaków society, when some young lace makers started to make underwear out of Koniaków lace. Some elders in Koniaków view this activity as a disgrace upon an ancient and respectful profession; however, the new twist on Koniaków lace was a big success.

Koniaków lingerie is a byproduct of the lace making tradition in the village. Although traditional lace has always been a village staple for industry - it wasn't until lace makers turned their knitting needles to crafting g-strings, thongs and other lingerie items that the little village of 3,000 had its products become more and more popular.

Understanding that the Polish political system went through upheaval after the fall of communism in 1989, the $1,000 tableclothes became much harder to sell. Although considered heirlooms and taking more than a week to craft - tableclothes and doilies weren't bringing in enough money for the village lace makers, which affected all aspects of live.

The traditionalistic village has been dealing with issues of morality, money and tradition ever since the g-strings, thongs and brassieres have been sold.

References

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External links

* [http://koniakow.com/index_en.php Koniaków lace official web site]
* [http://www.koniartusa.com Koniaków lace USA homepage]