As the boat docked at the port of Mesta on Chios Island, I arrived in the early hours of the morning, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. Autumn was nearing its end, and a cool breeze greeted me as I rolled down the car window. It was then that I was struck by the scent of the island - the fragrant Chios. It was a smell that was difficult to put into words, but if I could, I would describe it as something that would define all other smells in the world. That trip was in collaboration with Blue Star Ferries.
The Mystique of Mastic: A Fragrant Gift from Saint Isidore
Chios is known for its citrus trees that fill the valley with their aroma, but it is the ancient and mysterious resin of the mastic trees in the southern part of the island that truly captivates the senses. Legend has it that the mastic was a gift from Saint Isidore, who sought refuge near Mesta in 250 AD after being chased and injured by the Romans. Exhausted and unable to continue, he found solace under a mastic tree where it is said that the tree wept tears of the fragrant resin. The tears filled the area with their aroma, and the southern part of the island where the Saint was believed to have suffered became abundant with mastic trees.
Although mastic may have been known since ancient times, with references found in the writings of Hippocrates, it is still a wonder how such a precious substance can be found so abundantly on Chios. Mastic is truly the diamond of Chios, and it is not a rare mineral for the locals. It oozes and solidifies on logs by the roadside, and one can simply stand, cut a piece, and taste its unique flavour. Yet, for the rest of the world, it remains elusive, available only through the generosity of the Chios locals.
Chios' Prosperity: Woven in Silk and Prestige
This unique treasure of mastic put Chios on the map and brought it privileges in difficult times. The wealth generated from mastic trade allowed other industries to flourish on the island, with silk production and processing becoming a prominent trade. The Chians gained prestige in European palaces by supplying them with exquisite woven textiles.
Traditional Costumes: A Kaleidoscope of Heritage
During my travels, I have never encountered a place with such a rich variety of traditional costumes as Chios. The island's abundant production of high-quality fabrics, combined with the wealth from trade, has resulted in a diverse array of clothing styles. Each village, to display its prosperity, developed its unique traditional costumes, resulting in a stunning variety of clothing styles.
I was fortunate enough to capture twenty-one different sections of clothing from Chios, either in their original form or as meticulously crafted replicas. However, there are many more traditional costumes whose details may forever remain a mystery to us. Nevertheless, the surviving garments I documented provide a fascinating glimpse into the rich sartorial heritage of Chios Island.
Unveiling the Cultural Tapestry of Chios through its Traditional Costumes
Vessa - Mastichochorea
Embarking on my initial sojourn, I found myself traversing the quaint village of Vessa, nestled within the domain where the Mastic trees flourish, enveloping 24 hamlets collectively recognized as Mastichochorea. I met the three young ladies adorned in the local attire and together, we undertook a meticulous exploration of the village, diligently seeking out fitting backdrops for our creative endeavor. Our quest led us to the precincts of a couple of dilapidated residences, one of which featured an exquisite staircase, serving as a setting for our visual narrative.
Acquire a print from the work
Acquiring a print from the work of George Tatakis not only allows you to make a statement in your home or office with unique, one-of-a-kind art but also supports important ethnographic work. Tatakis' lens has immortalized the traditional costumes of Chios, preserving the island's cultural tapestry for future generations. Click here
Elata - Mastichochorea
I relocated to the neighboring village of Elata on that very day, propelled by an insatiable curiosity to delve further into the indigenous sartorial tapestry. Engaging with three local ladies bedecked in traditional clothing, we embarked on a visual odyssey within the precincts of a castle-house hewn from time-weathered stone.
Subsequently, our repérage led us to discover additional backdrops, unveiling the poetic desolation of another forsaken house, as well as the ethereal charm woven into the labyrinthine alleys of the locale.
Dafnonas - Kampochorea
Venturing into Dafnonas later that day left me eager for a return, craving the opportunity to capture more portraits a couple of days later. Stepping into the charming village, I was greeted by five young ladies, each dressed in the local costume. Their warm welcome set the tone for an adventure as we joyfully roamed the steep inclines of the village, scouting for picturesque spots. Navigating the terrain with my photography equipment proved to be no small feat, but the shared laughter which made it all worthwhile. As the photo shoot wrapped up, we celebrated our efforts with refreshing drinks at a quaint local café, savoring the memories created in the heart of Dafnonas.
