Belts (Bauchranzen): Splendor to Fasten Around the Waist
Belt (Bauchranzen) are wide, usually elaborately crafted buckle belts made of leather that are still worn today mainly in parts of Austria, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Poland. They serve both practical and representational purposes. Their production requires considerable time, materials, and labor, which in the past particularly reflected the social status of the wearer. In addition to their function as splendid leather accessories and as means of storage and transport, they often carry personal and symbolic meanings and express a sense of belonging. Their ornate decorations range from embroidery with quills, gold and leather strapes to fittings made of tin or brass studs. This type of belt is still worn today in traditional costume and marksmen’s associations or on festive occasions.
Since the museum’s founding in 1894, a wide variety of belts (Bauchranzen) have been acquired by the Volkskundemuseum Wien. Around 230 pieces are now part of the textile and clothing collection. Here—within the Online Collection Plus—50 selected examples (as of April 2026) provide insight into the diversity of places of production and use, forms, materials, techniques, and motifs.
This article will be published in English soon.