Objects for the museum collection opened in 1908 should be limited to Stibbert’s main interests – dress in its broadest sense, arms and armour – and should follow his collecting patterns. Donation could be accepted only of objects dating before his death in 1906. Stibbert approached the subject of costume with an international outlook unusual for his age. The purchase in 1981 of about forty items of costume and arms collected by Senator Giulio Adamoli (1840 – 1926), an important member of the Italian Geographic Society, during his travels in western Asia and in the Near East, was particulary important.
The majority are rare and colorful Uzbeck and Kirgiz costumes and accessories collected in Turkestan in 1869 – 70. The bright outfits that are offered to your attention are considered festive clothing for women and men.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The Cultural legacy of Uzbekistan in Italian Collections" (volume XXXII) in the series "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
