Within the permanent exhibition of the Legacy of Hristifor Crnilović, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the traditional costumes and jewelry of the Central Balkan region from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to the exhibited examples, Crnilović also carefully documented and explained the technique of making this traditional jewelry in his handwritten notes and drawings.
Beads, known as manistre, have been used for centuries as decorative elements on the clothing of our ancestors. They represent colorful traces of culture and tradition, and jewelry made from these small round ornaments can still serve as an attractive fashion accessory today.
The workshop is designed as practical training conducted in two levels. The basic level lasts two months and is held twice a week, with each session lasting three hours. During this level, participants will learn the basics of crochet as a necessary preparation for the work, as well as the technique of working with manistre (beads). They will also learn how to create traditional bracelets and jerdan necklaces, which are characteristic elements of traditional jewelry.
This will be followed by the advanced level of training, which also lasts two months and will be held twice a week for three hours. During this stage, participants will have the opportunity to create various types of jewelry of their own choice, such as head ornaments, belts, pendants, and ćusteci, applying the bead-weaving technique they mastered during the training.
Participants will be introduced to this traditional technique by Duška Todorovski, a collaborator of Manak’s House, who learned this craft through family tradition from her elder relatives—her grandmother Velika, mother Persida, and aunt Krsjana.
This workshop provides an opportunity to revive and preserve, through practical work, one of the authentic jewelry-making techniques from the Kosovo Pomoravlje region as an important part of intangible cultural heritage.
We invite all interested participants to join us and take part in preserving this tradition. Welcome!
