The pillow sham with the snakes

A “grafto” (written) embroidery with a “snakes” theme, embroidered by Efrosini Faltaits in the 1930s. The “grafta” embroideries are the most characteristic and well-known embroideries of Skyros. They were so named because the woman who embroidered them first drew her design on the fabric. Initially, these embroideries were exclusive creations of the upper class, and the designs were guarded closely to prevent them from being copied.   
These embroideries adorned the pillows and sheets of the bridal bed as well as the sleeves and hems of Skyrian costumes. The sheets used for the ceremonial decoration of the wedding bed were also used as shrouds, which accompanied the deceased during the burial ceremony as a sign of honor, and were removed from the coffin before interment. 
Their motifs vary, from plants, animals, and anthropomorphic figures, to buildings, ships, and wedding representations, and most often have various symbolisms, such as fertility, health, life's journey, good fortune, etc.  The “snakes” are an ancient symbol representing the protection of the house.