6. MOUNTAIN REGIONS
/ REGIONY GÓRSKIE /

The mountain regions are characterised by their folk art being different from other areas mainly because of industry based on forests and farming but also as a result of foreign influences, especially those coming from the culture of Wołosi in the Balkans. Houses and sacred buildings in this area are wooden framework constructions with shingle roofs and laths. Podhale with Zakopane are leading in this respect. House interiors were decorated with pictures on glass among other things. Domestic utensils were decorated with sculpture [and ryzowanie]. A famous technique is also Podhale sznycerka which was used to decorate not only furniture but walls of houses as well. Podhale łyżnik is an example of the greatest art of sznycerka. Colourful wooden toys (eg. from the area of Żywiec) are characteristic in the mountain regions. As far as the folk costume is concerned, the most characteristic is the Podhale costume and its two variations – from Spisz and Orawa. Colourful embroideries are the decorative elements of this costume. Variegated embroidery is a distinctive feature of the Nowy Sącz costume – a variation of the mountain costume. The mountain areas – especially Podhale – are famous for leather products. Leather products from the area of Krościenko are well known. Artistic metalwork is peculiar to that region – with its metal decorations, mainly made of brass like clasps for belts and shirts, tobbaco pipes, etc.