Bosnian Blacksmith

gp · 7th November 2020, 11:20 AM

although well known in the Ottoman empire due to the high quality of cold weapons, still some blacksmiths survived to the present date.

Bosnian village of smiths, Ochevia
VARES, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - JANUARY 31: A blacksmith named Miyo Yozelyic holding a hammer at a smithery in Ochevia village of Vares, Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 31, 2015. Smiths in Ochevia carry on forging traditions inherited by their ancestors. (Photo by Samir Yordamovic )

gp · 7th November 2020, 11:22 AM

another one....

To be worthy of the title of master, a blacksmith in Kresevo in central Bosnia had to perform a delicate task -- shoe an egg without breaking it.
It's an Easter tradition requiring a blacksmith to decorate an egg shell by nailing on it a miniature iron horseshoe.
Now Stjepan Biletic wants to have this ancient know-how recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's cultural heritage.

"That is the most beautiful gift one can offer to a friend, a neighbor, a girlfriend or wife," the 71-year-old craftsman said.
As the Easter holiday approaches, people flock to his small workshop in this village -- population around 5,300 -- almost 80 percent of whom are Catholic Croats.
But Biletic works all year long. His shod eggs, which sell for 3.0 to 7.5 euros ($3.30 to $8.40) per piece, help him make ends meet as a retired teacher. But more than money, he wants to maintain a tradition he believes should be preserved.
Started in the 18th century, the practice was designed to test and show the virtuosity of blacksmith apprentices.

"The shod egg was at the time analyzed by the masters. If it was intact, if the shell was not damaged, they would extend the hand to the apprentice to congratulate him," and thereby welcome him into the fellowship, said Biletic.
"That was his diploma, he became a 'doctor' of his profession'," he added.
The shoeing of eggs was originally done with iron. But today Biletic uses lead, a more flexible metal.
It is this traditional craftsmanship that Bosnia would like the UN cultural agency to include on the UNESCO list of the world's intangible cultural heritage.
Biletic and a few other enthusiasts in his village are preparing the case, based on historical sources, that the world's first shod egg was made in Kresevo.
Centuries on, shoppers still visit Biletic's workshop to buy his decorated eggs, even in the colors of their favorite football club, Croats for Hajduk Split or Sarajevans for Zeljeznicar.

pictures:

Stjepan Biletic, 71, handcrafts man from Central-Bosnian town of Kresevo, nails miniature horseshoe onto an egg, in his workshop, on April 17, 2019. (AFP/Elvis Barukcic)

Stjepan Biletic, 71, handcrafts man from Central-Bosnian town of Kresevo, shows a full stack of miniature horseshoe nailed eggs, in his workshop, on April 17, 2019. (AFP/Elvis Barukcic)

gp · 7th November 2020, 11:44 AM

some more pics

last picture : A BOSNIAN SWORD - CENTRAL BALKANS, CIRCA 1800

Battara · 7th November 2020, 11:45 PM

Never heard nor seen of such a thing.

I'm not that good.

gp · 8th November 2020, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Never heard nor seen of such a thing.

I'm not that good.

well you can become that good... go and be their apprentice:
I know for sure they would be very proud and feel honored even if you would come for a week or two. And as you already know the basics, it would go easier and faster for you...

From your lineage (Charlie Patton, Link Wray and ofcourse Jimi) you might get some good inspiration !
Further inspiration you might get from their homemade loza (their Bosnian moonshine made from grapes)

and afterwards I would be more than happy to gladly buy a bichaq from you....
forget about the horseshoe

Victrix · 8th November 2020, 11:29 PM

Found interesting info on Kresevo in Wikipedia: ” The first written mention of Kreševan silver, copper and lead mines dates to 1381. When the Saxons arrived in Bosnia, the technology of extracting and ore processing was significantly developed. They brought legal norms called the "Saxons' laws" and modern technology.”

”Even though the Ottoman period was harsh for the Kreševo area, as well as for the whole Bosnia, the status of Kreševo area was relatively favorable due to mines, smiths and other craftsmen and merchants. The Ottoman adopted almost entire legal regulative of the area (Kanun-sas, translated as the Laws of the Saxons), as well as the technology of craft and ore processing. Those law regulations remained in power until the Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those qanuns (laws) provided autonomy for metallurgists, regulated the property rights between copartners and established executive bodies (an assembly, a knyaz and a messenger).”

”The main products of Kreševan smiths were, among other things, horseshoes and nails. The horseshoes were of the "Arabic model" and were known for their quality on the entire Balkans. Along with horseshoes, Kreševan smiths produced door locks, which were of "Ragusan model" with six feathers. During that time, Kreševo was a large workshop with high metal production and economic development.”

7th November 2020, 11:20 AM	#1
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 717	Bosnian Blacksmith although well known in the Ottoman empire due to the high quality of cold weapons, still some blacksmiths survived to the present date. Bosnian village of smiths, Ochevia VARES, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA - JANUARY 31: A blacksmith named Miyo Yozelyic holding a hammer at a smithery in Ochevia village of Vares, Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 31, 2015. Smiths in Ochevia carry on forging traditions inherited by their ancestors. (Photo by Samir Yordamovic ) Attached Images Last edited by gp; 7th November 2020 at 12:09 PM.

7th November 2020, 11:22 AM	#2
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 717	another one.... To be worthy of the title of master, a blacksmith in Kresevo in central Bosnia had to perform a delicate task -- shoe an egg without breaking it. It's an Easter tradition requiring a blacksmith to decorate an egg shell by nailing on it a miniature iron horseshoe. Now Stjepan Biletic wants to have this ancient know-how recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's cultural heritage. "That is the most beautiful gift one can offer to a friend, a neighbor, a girlfriend or wife," the 71-year-old craftsman said. As the Easter holiday approaches, people flock to his small workshop in this village -- population around 5,300 -- almost 80 percent of whom are Catholic Croats. But Biletic works all year long. His shod eggs, which sell for 3.0 to 7.5 euros ($3.30 to $8.40) per piece, help him make ends meet as a retired teacher. But more than money, he wants to maintain a tradition he believes should be preserved. Started in the 18th century, the practice was designed to test and show the virtuosity of blacksmith apprentices. "The shod egg was at the time analyzed by the masters. If it was intact, if the shell was not damaged, they would extend the hand to the apprentice to congratulate him," and thereby welcome him into the fellowship, said Biletic. "That was his diploma, he became a 'doctor' of his profession'," he added. The shoeing of eggs was originally done with iron. But today Biletic uses lead, a more flexible metal. It is this traditional craftsmanship that Bosnia would like the UN cultural agency to include on the UNESCO list of the world's intangible cultural heritage. Biletic and a few other enthusiasts in his village are preparing the case, based on historical sources, that the world's first shod egg was made in Kresevo. Centuries on, shoppers still visit Biletic's workshop to buy his decorated eggs, even in the colors of their favorite football club, Croats for Hajduk Split or Sarajevans for Zeljeznicar. pictures: Stjepan Biletic, 71, handcrafts man from Central-Bosnian town of Kresevo, nails miniature horseshoe onto an egg, in his workshop, on April 17, 2019. (AFP/Elvis Barukcic) Stjepan Biletic, 71, handcrafts man from Central-Bosnian town of Kresevo, shows a full stack of miniature horseshoe nailed eggs, in his workshop, on April 17, 2019. (AFP/Elvis Barukcic) Attached Images Last edited by gp; 7th November 2020 at 11:33 AM.

7th November 2020, 11:44 AM	#3
gp Member Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 717	some more pics last picture : A BOSNIAN SWORD - CENTRAL BALKANS, CIRCA 1800 Attached Images

7th November 2020, 11:45 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	Never heard nor seen of such a thing. I'm not that good.

8th November 2020, 11:29 PM	#6
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 710	Found interesting info on Kresevo in Wikipedia: ” The first written mention of Kreševan silver, copper and lead mines dates to 1381. When the Saxons arrived in Bosnia, the technology of extracting and ore processing was significantly developed. They brought legal norms called the "Saxons' laws" and modern technology.” ”Even though the Ottoman period was harsh for the Kreševo area, as well as for the whole Bosnia, the status of Kreševo area was relatively favorable due to mines, smiths and other craftsmen and merchants. The Ottoman adopted almost entire legal regulative of the area (Kanun-sas, translated as the Laws of the Saxons), as well as the technology of craft and ore processing. Those law regulations remained in power until the Austro-Hungarian rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Those qanuns (laws) provided autonomy for metallurgists, regulated the property rights between copartners and established executive bodies (an assembly, a knyaz and a messenger).” ”The main products of Kreševan smiths were, among other things, horseshoes and nails. The horseshoes were of the "Arabic model" and were known for their quality on the entire Balkans. Along with horseshoes, Kreševan smiths produced door locks, which were of "Ragusan model" with six feathers. During that time, Kreševo was a large workshop with high metal production and economic development.”