Highlander clasp

For centuries clasps have been an important element of Polish highlanders’ traditional costumes. Originally used for fastening shirts, they fell out of use when buttons became popular, remaining only as ornaments. In the early 20th century they were already rare, used only by senior and young shepherds, who grazed their sheep on mountain pastures.In the 1920s and the 1930s they were considered collector’s items and sought after by tourists. In Zakopane they were often worn as ornaments for the “cucha” (outerwear), sweaters or occasionally on leather bags.Today the clasps are a popular element of highlanders from the Podhale region, but the way they are worn differs from the original one: instead of fastening shirts they are usually attached to them or sewed on.