Ethnological Treasure - Embroidery with Silver String from Livno

Ethnological collections preserve valuable items from being forgotten, which are losing its purpose in times when mankind has different needs. Traditional crafts in Bosnia and Herzegovina developed under the influence of Roman, Greek, early Christian and Arabic culture. Embroidery on linen had become a tradition throughout the whole B&H, and embroidery on wood appears in certain areas with all of its specificities. On this postage stamp is displayed detail on the handle of a walking cane that is located in the permanent exhibition of the ethnological collection of the Franciscan museum and Gallery Gorica Livno in Livno. The first data about Livno’s craftmen appears in the middle of the 15th century, and the fact from 1550 tells us that in Livno existed 27 kinds of trades or carfts. A special place amongst them is the well-known embroidery with silver string that is unique by a special kind of incrustation (embedding) of precious metal into wood. In this manner, various usable items were decorated such as cane handles, knives, chests and similar. The skillful hands of craftmen have left indelible and beautiful figures in wood, most commonly of geometrical and herbal ornaments. (Željka Šaravanja)