Maria Anna von der Pfalz

What people wore

Valuable Noblewoman's Clothing

Seventeenth-century noblewomen's wills show that items like fur-lined coats, velvet dresses, and specific headgear such as caps and wimples were vital assets, sometimes valued higher than silver or jewelry.

Daily life

Life regulated by bells and time

Daily rhythms were regulated by church bells, such as the Angelus, which signaled the start of work in the morning, meal breaks at noon, and the end of the day in the evening. School bells also began to be used to call students to class at specific times.

Work

Zinc ore mining and winter transport

During the late 17th century, production of calamine (zinc ore) in the Tenczyn region was a major industry, with workers transporting around 600-800 barrels annually to Vistula river ports. This metal was typically moved during winter using sleds on snow for greater ease.

Music

Bagpipes at Inns and Festivals

Bagpipes were popular instruments at inns and festivities, where they provided music for dances enjoyed by peasants, the lower bourgeoisie, and even members of the gentry.

At the table

Poppy Seeds in Daily Diet

Poppy seeds were consumed in large quantities, not just for flavor but as a base for sauces, dishes, and oils. They were eaten in a similar way to how other cultures might use millet.

Getting around

River travel was faster than land journeys

River transport was essential for passengers and goods, with boats traveling approximately 46 kilometers per day on routes like the Vistula. This was faster and safer than land travel, which often suffered from muddy or wobbly roads.

What it cost

Wages for Workers in 17th Century Warsaw

An ordinary worker in Warsaw earned 3 to 4 grosze per day, while a bricklayer, considered elite, could earn up to 16 grosze daily.