The Role of “Folk” Costume in the Sustainable Development of Ethnic Communities from Tulcea County, Romania. Case Study: Ukrainians and Russian Lipovans

Abstract The article addresses the influence of traditional costumes on the identity development of two Slavic ethnic groups from Dobruja: the Ukrainians and the Russians Lipovans (Old Believers or Starovery). Adhering to certain traditional patterns, or on the contrary, adopting historical and modern symbols from Ukraine and Russia, these groups try to differentiate themselves, although at one time there was a great degree of isomorphism between their costumes. The investigation attempts to reconstruct old costume models, worn in Dobruja, elements with identity marker value, and also discusses the evolution of clothes over time, in relation to the cultural influences and the specific socio-economic environment.