THE OUTFIT – PROTAGONIST OF THE EVOLUTION OF TRADITIONAL ART IN MOLDOVA

The current study approaches the following query: is the traditional Moldovan folk art in a process of involution, revolution or evolution? To this aim, four distinct historic ethnologic periods are defined: medieval, premodern, modern and post-modern. Subsequently, the evolution of the traditional costume, one of the most prominent Moldovan-Romanian folk art products, is examined through the lenses of its changing functional, symbolic and artistic value. The notion of ethnic costume is introduced to include both the modern apparel whose visual aspect reminds of traditional costume or ornaments as well as any folk-style costume characteristic to previous periods. The analysis concludes that the ethnic costume is not in decline in Moldovan society. Its significance and role has evolved and adapted through a continuous presence and use in each of the four historic periods. Based on the example of the evolution of the traditional costume, the study concludes that Moldovan traditional art has rather thrived through history. This conclusion, nevertheless, deserves to be corroborated by further complementary studies