Iveta Zuskinová
In this part of Slovakia, mostly valaška sheep used to be kept as the breed was able to adapt to harsh climatic conditions of this region, situated in the north of Slovakia. However, this type of wool is not of the best quality as it is a little coarse. The wool’s colour is mainly white, but inhabitants of central Liptov preferred, and valued more, the wool of black valaška. It was the norm in the past to shear sheep twice a year: first in spring, before moving flocks of sheep to sheep folds, and then towards the end of the grazing season, after which sheep would be moved from pastures do villages. Final product of rather complicated wool processing was woollen yarn. It was used for weaving postav – woollen textiles. Being kept in boiling water in valcha and beaten by hammers, wool was transformed to felt, boasting excellent thermo properties. White or black felt was used, for instance, for sewing clothing articles such as trousers, coats (halena) or boots (kapce). From mid 20th century, these clothing articles were gradually being replaced by fabrics produced in factories. However, thanks to art schools or museums, there are at present tendencies and activities supporting, in this region, revival of this precious natural material.