Costumes of Gruyere – Armaillis – Alpine Cowboys

Swiss Armaillis Cattle-herders from the Gruyere region

This amusing chromolithographic photo  shows three Swiss cowhands, known in the French speaking regions as “Les Armaillis” and in the German Alpine regions as “Senn.” These were hired hands who escorted the cows up to the high pastures.

One sits on a butter churn, another carries the traditional wooden transport platter for cheese.

They are all smartly dressed in the traditional puff sleeved embroidered jackets known as “Bredzon.”

Dimensions: 5.5 X 8.4 inches

Condition: Slightly worn and light discoloration as shown.