A 1920s ethnographer gives a snapshot of life in Subcarpathian Rus.

Christine Hrichak
Published: December 13, 2024

Christine’s Note: In this recurring column I’ll share information about Carpatho-Rusyn books. Some will be books you might already be familiar with, and some you might not. Either way, we hope you enjoy these recommendations.

This month we are featuring an ebook called “Podkarpatská Rus: práce a život lidu po stránce kulturní, hospodářské a národopisné” (Subcarpathian Rus: the work and life of the people from a cultural, economic and ethnographic point of view) by Czech ethnographer Amalie Kožmínová.

This book from 1922 begins with a brief introduction in English, but the rest of the book is written in the Czech language. (Google Translate’s mobile app to the rescue!) Even if you don’t speak/read Czech, it offers many interesting photographs of daily life in Subcarpathia from around 1918-1920, and detailed drawings of household and religious items and buildings. If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, at the end of the book there is an entire section showcasing embroidery samples! 

Available for free via Archive.org (Merry Christmas 😉)

Christine Hrichak is a member of the Carpatho-Rusyn Society.