Craft and Continuity – Traditional Skills and Material Culture in Baška Voda
While much has changed in Baška Voda over the centuries, the tools, crafts, and daily materials of its people have left a lasting imprint—now cherished as cultural heritage.
Stone, Wood, Iron – The Building Blocks of Life
Common Historical Tools
| Tool | Material | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Motika | Iron/Wood | Digging terraces for olives |
| Gustirna poklopac | Stone | Lid for rainwater cistern |
| Čekić i čavao | Wood/Iron | Carpentry and net repair |
| Kamenica | Limestone | Olive oil basin for pressing |
These items were handmade and passed down between generations, symbolizing the legacy of local craftsmanship.
Textile and Household Craft
Traditional women in Bast and Baška Voda produced:
- Woolen cloth crafted from mountain sheep.
- Hand-woven table linens featuring intricate geometric patterns.
- Embroidered garments commonly worn during weddings and holiday celebrations.
Maritime Material Culture
The community’s connection to the sea is evident in its maritime material culture:
- Fishing nets: Initially made from hemp before the introduction of nylon.
- Hand-sewn sails: Waterproofed using pine resin.
- Boat caulking: A now-lost skill that used goat hair and tar to seal wooden vessels.
Craft Preservation
Efforts to maintain these age-old traditions are evident:
- Workshops: Dedicated spaces for olive pressing and net tying continue to educate new generations.
- Artifact Identification: Each piece is carefully labeled with the artisan's or family’s origin.
- Public Exhibits: Artifacts and demonstrations take center stage during local feast days and cultural weeks, ensuring the continuity of these practices.
References
[^1]: Baška Voda Museum of Material Culture (Inventory 1971–2020)
[^2]: Oral Documentation – Crafts of Coastal Dalmatia, University of Split
[^3]: Bast Women’s Cooperative Archives, 1988
TL;DR
Baška Voda's traditional material culture endures through handmade tools, woven textiles, and maritime craftsmanship. These skills, preserved via workshops, artifact labeling, and public cultural events, symbolize the town's rich heritage.