Ludmyla Basanets is a versatile folk artist specializing in traditional embroidery, vybijka (Ukrainian fabric block printing), and the crafting of handmade beeswax candles.

Her work is most renowned for her ceremonial towels (rushnyks), which feature the striking patterns unique to Obukhiv—a town located just south of Kyiv.

Traditional Obukhiv towels are characterized by dense, raised red embroidery that often covers nearly the entire surface of the fabric. The central motif is the Tree of Life, intricately woven into flowing floral vines.

Historically, these towels accompanied a person through every major milestone of life—from birth and marriage to death. They served as essential ceremonial items during holidays and were a permanent, sacred decoration within the traditional Ukrainian home.

In recognition of its cultural importance, the tradition and craftsmanship of the Obukhiv “sewn” towel was officially inscribed on Ukraine’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023.