The wide distribution of amber products throughout Poland, even from the Neolithic period, prove that amber was an important material as well as a significant trade object in Poland in early times.
In Poland there are also many amber deposits outside the Baltic Sea area, e.g. in the Kurpie region, where amber has long been extracted from swamps or rivers during fishing. The Kurpians recognized the amber sediments in the marshes and bogs by the rusty brown color of the water surface. Using simple tools, they then extracted the amber. By the middle of the 19th century, 130 small amber mines still existed in the region.
The settlements in the Kurpie region were often quite isolated in the middle of the pine forest and people lived from what they produced themselves. Amber working was an important secondary source of income. The carved or drilled objects could be used as trade items. Among the locals, chandelier-like ceiling hangings (called kierec) were popular.
Kierec - ceiling ornament
Made by Gabriela Gierłowska according to the model of the old Kurp ceiling decoration, in: Gdansk Museum, http://dziedzichtwo-gdansk.pl/online-collection
Folk costumes from the Kurpie-Zielone region
Women in the Kurpie region often wore white linen blouses with borders and colourful skirts and vests. An amber necklace is always part of the costume. In Poland, the traditional Kurpie wedding is very famous. The wedding feast includes many special dances, songs and solemn chants and ceremonies. Wedding necklaces made of amber are a must in this process.
Folk costumes from the Kurpie-Zielone region in Poland, July 9, 2015.
Folk song and dance ensemble of Warsaw University "Warszawianka".
Literature
Bernstein, Tears of the Gods, Edition Glückauf, p 305 - 308 as well as p 321-324
http://www.urlaubsland-polen.pl/nachrichten/detailseite/07022012
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurpie
https://polishcostumes.tumblr.com/post/123644391382/folk-costumes-from-kurpie-zielone-poland