Apron from Covurlui County and “Zadie” from the Năsăud Region as Evidence of Transhumance and Cultural Exchange

Abstract

The article examines transhumance as a socio-economic and cultural phenomenon, emphasizing its important role in shaping Romanian identity. Practiced as a seasonal migration of herds between mountains and plains, transhumance created a network of pastoral routes that later became important trade and cultural pathways. These routes facilitated intensive cultural exchange between communities, strengthening social and economic ties. The study highlights the impact of transhumance on traditional clothing in Covurlui County, particularly on the apron (pestelcă), in comparison with the apron (zadie) from the Năsăud region. The analysis reveals structural similarities between these elements, as well as significant differences in color palette, ornamentation, and embroidery techniques, determined by regional specificity, aesthetic preferences, and the availability of materials. Transhumance, viewed as a vector of cultural transfer, fosters the exchange of textile motifs, techniques, and decorative patterns across different communities, contributing to the formation of a unified Romanian cultural heritage. Although the apron (pestelcă) of Covurlui County, compared to the zadie of the Năsăud region, has a more limited distribution and a less pronounced identity value, it reflects local adaptation and demonstrates the preservation of archaic forms alongside the synthesis of external influences.