Original scientific paper

Carved Distaffs from Drniš

Branka Vojnović ; Etnografski muzej Split

Abstract

Eight carved distaffs from Drniš from the Ethnographic Museum in Split belong to the collection of wood-carved objects from the Dalmatian hinterland. They belong to the shovel-shaped and spear-shaped type of distaffs that later developed perhaps from a simple branched-off type. The shapes of its upper part, as surfaces with indented edges perforated and with a dominant ending resemble some architectural shapes (distaff-like belfries, towers). Certain geometrical motifs (dog's leap, double hook, swastika, rosetta) were known already in pre-History and were widely applied not only on archeological, but also on recent ethnographic material (textile). On the distaffs from Drniš they are interpreted in various ways and in more complex ornamental compositions. Analysis of ornaments and possible symbolical connotations suggest a basic circular concept of ornament disposition and a magical apotropaic meaning of the circle. Made mostly at the beginning of the 20th century of a nearly standardized design, distaffs from Drniš belong to the final phase of traditional wood-carving in this region.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

108724

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/108724

Publication date:

15.6.1994.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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