Patterns of Meaning:
Croatian Folk Life Traditions

April 24 through July 12, 1997

The Ohio Arts Council's Riffe Gallery presents Patterns of Meaning: Croatian Folk Life Traditions.

As an introduction to Croatian folk life traditions, this exhibition centers on folk dress and household textiles, complemented by historic illustrations, contemporary photographs, ceramic and stone models of village architecture, original naive art featuring village life and ritual artifacts. Much of it is the work of women's hands because women traditionally have been the nurturers and conservators of the nation's culture. All tell of the history and values of the Croatian nation.

For more information on Patterns of Meaning: Croatian Folk Life Traditions please read the following:

Press release

How about a quick tour of some of the works that are on display?!?

There are 12 images contained within this archive which are intended for personal/educational use only. These images bear a 1997 photographic copyright which belongs to the Ohio Arts Council, therefore, they are not in the public domain.

Woman’s Vest, Back View Village of Cilipi, Konavle Region Black wool fabric with gold-wrapped thread embroidery Collection of Vera Maletic	Woman’s Vest, Front View Village of Cilipi, Konavle Region Black wool fabric with gold-wrapped thread embroidery Collection of Vera Maletic	Woman’s Vest* Backa Region Green rayon fabric with multi-colored ribbons, sequins, and beads Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich *This is a Croatian piece from the region of Vojvodina which is in Yugoslavia adjacent to Croatia and Hungary. This region historically has had a mixture of peoples. The color choices in this piece show Hungarian influence.	Married Woman’s Folk Dress (Blouse, Skirt, Apron, Shoulder Shawl, and Sash) Djakovo Area, Slavonija Region Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich

Wedding Commemorative Pillow Cover, 1929 Linen fabric with multi-colored viscose rayon embroidery of angels and flowers Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich	Single Girl's Hat (Kapica), early 19th century, Zumberak Silver and mica spangles and silver wrapped thread embroidery worked on a home loomed linen base; tassel on top is made of thin strips of silver. The materials used indicate a family of means. Collection of Judith Krizmanich	Detail from Woman's Apron Ceglje, Jastrebarsko Fine home loomed linen bleached white. Drawn and cutwork. Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich	Woman’s Shoes Slavonija Black velvet with gold wrapped thread embroidery. Leather soles. Hand made. Collection of Maria Saric

Man’s Shirt Kupinec, Jastrebarsko Home loomed linen, bleached. Multi-color cotton embroidery in traditional floral designs. Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich	Needle Lace (Paska Cipka) Village of Pag, Island of Pag. 1950 Ecru cotton thread worked with a needle. Basic stitch: buttonhole. Today, this lace is much prized and is used as state gifts to visiting dignitaries. Collection of Frances Babic	Woman's Apron Village of Draganici, Jastrebarsko Area Home loomed linen with multi-colored cotton thread embroidery and cotton thread crochet work Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich	Decorative Towel Linen fabric with red cotton thread "embroidery" Collection of Stjepan Vlahovich

[top]