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Traffic, transport and transfer of goods

Number of Cases
1000
The items that make up the collection testify to the transport of people and goods in different conditions, including mountainous regions, flatlands, as well as river and lake valleys.
They speak volumes about the many peculiarities and challenges of the natural environment that the communities faced, as well as finding solutions that allowed them to survive and progress. These are aids, tools and devices that were used for the transportation of people and goods, equipment for the use of riding and pack animals and various tractor-pulled vehicles.

The collection dates back to the period of Slavic immigration, as evidenced by the dugout boat - monoxylon - made from a single oak tree.

The collection of frames and sticks is particularly noteworthy. In addition to the basic purpose of transporting loads, frames were often used in ordinary cycles, and sticks were placed instead of gravestones.

The collection contains over 1,000 items.

The curator in charge of the collection is Dr. Marko Stojanović, museum advisor: marko.stojanovic@etnografskimuzej.rs
Stirrups
Inv. No. 16119
Saddle
Inv. No. 16166
Bridle for horses
Inv. No. 16180
Breastplate – napršnjak
Inv. No. 16189
Stirrups – Biljan
Inv. No. 16196
Bag – Jandžik
Inv. No. 33515
Saddlebags – Bisage
Inv. No. 33537
Shepherd's staff
Inv. No. 5281
Sledge – Saone
Inv. No. 33785
Shepherd's hook
Inv. No. 5283
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Stirrups

Inv. No. 16119
The stirrups with a wide sole were essential for comfort during long rides on caravan and inaccessible mountain paths. They were richly decorated with plant motifs characteristic of Islam and made of high-quality material – brass.

Dubrovnik, Southern Adriatic
Late 19th and early 20th century

Saddle

Inv. No. 16166
The exhibited item is made of goat leather and decorated with srma (gold wire).

Location unknown
Late 19th century

Bridle for horses

Inv. No. 16180
The finely crafted headpieces for riding horses, made from a combination of various materials, served several cultural functions. Silver and silk signified the material status of the owner, while the brightly colored tassels were believed to protect against the so-called "evil eye." The leather parts reduced friction and thus prevented skin injuries on the horses' heads.

Čajetina, Zlatibor, Western Serbia
19th century

Breastplate – napršnjak

Inv. No. 16189
The breastplates were an element of equestrian gear, the first to catch the eye of an observer, signaling that only members of the highest social classes owned horse equipment made from noble metals.

Čajetina, Zlatibor, Western Serbia
19th century

Stirrups – Biljan

Inv. No. 16196
The forehead decoration for a horse, with its craftsmanship and ornaments, signifies the intertwining of Serbian silverworking tradition and later oriental influences. The use of silver highlights the respect for the role and significance of horses in both cultures.

Novi Pazar, Raška region, Southwestern Serbia
20th century

Bag – Jandžik

Inv. No. 33515
The leather bag – janžik was part of the equipment of the Sejmeni (members of the armed Turkish cavalry) and Tatars (precursors of the postal service) in the first half of the 19th century. The janžik was used to carry ducats, confidential messages, and documents, and as such, it was equipped with security locks and secret compartments.

Takovo, Gornji Milanovac, Central Serbia
19th century, first half

Saddlebags – Bisage

Inv. No. 33537
The saddlebags were the cargo part of the horseback equipment, used to carry personal belongings or goods for sale. They were made by craftsmen from hemp, goat hair, or wool. Higher-quality saddlebags were made with leather-reinforced parts and ornamental weaving compositions.

Požarevac, Central Serbia
First half of the 20th century

Shepherd's staff

Inv. No. 5281
Shepherd's staff, made of ash wood, covered with snake skin, with a curved handle. They were usually crafted by the shepherds themselves, and the embossed leather prevented the palm from slipping off the staff during use in uneven, mountainous, or rocky areas. The snake skin symbolized skill and bravery in catching the reptile, and according to Serbian mythology, it protected the shepherd and the flock from evil forces of nature.

Nerodimlje near Uroševac, Kosovo and Metohija
Late 19th and early 20th century

Sledge – Saone

Inv. No. 33785
Saone - horse-drawn sleighs were a very convenient and stable mode of transportation in flat areas. Ranging from simple wooden ones to exceptionally high-quality sledges with iron parts and decorations, they were used for everyday transportation of people. Sleighs covered with carpets and with ceremonial horse gear were used for going to religious celebrations, godparenthood events, or village festivities.

Sombor, Bačka, northern Vojvodina
First half of the 20th century

Shepherd's hook

Inv. No. 5283
The hook from Našice is made of famous Slavonian oak and ergonomically designed for grabbing legs and drawing lambs from the flock. The ornamental compositions depict plants and animals from the immediate surroundings, while the relief of the two-headed eagle from the Serbian coat of arms was carved in 1929, during the formation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Našice, northern Croatia
First half of the 20th century
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