Crafts tell stories of life as it was
What makes destinations appealing, interesting, and memorable for tourists? All the cultural and geophysical characteristics that shape a country. Get to know Serbia’s regional artisanal traditions by visiting traditional craft stores. Find handmade wares that local people have used daily for centuries — and visitors will take home as cherished souvenirs.
Zlakusa: a place where earth becomes art!
The village of Zlakusa in western Serbia is known for its unique pottery. This isn’t just ordinary earthenware, Zlakusa pottery is much more than that! This small village is a treasure trove of three-centuries-old traditions and crafts. Just as their ancestors did in the past, hard-working craftsmen make pottery by hand on a traditional wheel. The results are pots, bowls, and dishes that last for generations and give food a special flavor! Zlakusa pottery has two special features: First of all, it is entirely handmade. Secondly, the materials in its composition, including clay and calcite minerals, are organic.
Zlakusa also hosts the International Fine Art Colony of Ceramics, where traditional pottery meets contemporary art. Moreover, UNESCO has attested to its significance by including Zlakusa pottery on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Zlakusa offers even more than its signature pottery; it features beautiful courtyards, the largest cave entrance in the Balkans, peaceful ponds, and hospitable hosts. Should you wish to take a part of this story home with you, stop at a stall by the side of the road and choose your handmade souvenir? It could be the perfect dish for your next meal!
Timok two-string knitted socks
Imagine socks that are far more than a piece of clothing to warm you up.
Two-string knitted Timok socks are a witness of past times, keepers of stories and symbols of traditional craft skills. They are made with two strands of domestic wool knit together to form an indispensable part of life’s most important moments: people used to wear them at celebrations (slava), weddings, christenings, and other special occasions.
Knjaževac, a town in eastern Serbia, still cherishes this tradition today. Its Homeland Museum is home to an impressive collection of 420 pairs of two-string knitted socks from the late 18th to the mid-20th centuries. Each pair has its own story to tell. Handmade albums of patterns and handwritten notes give further depth to this significant collection from a unique craft tradition.
If you want to peek into the world of Serbia’s traditional skills, visit the Summer School of Traditional Crafts and learn how Serbian grandmothers used to knit these socks. Knitters and weavers from the Knjaževac Ethno Center share their knowledge and skills and help preserve precious cultural heritage for its sustainable use. This tradition is still alive! Visit Knjaževac and let the past embrace you with its warm threads!
