Pljočkanje: from a shepherds game to a sport
Keywords:
Tradition, pljočkanje, cultural identity, safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, Istrian Pljočkanje AssociationAbstract
The traditional game called pljočkanje (flat stone throwing game) developed from a folk shepherds game (commonly played by children to waste away time while tending cattle) and was known throughout Istria. The main rule is to hit a smaller fist-sized stone called pljočkaš, bulin or balin with a larger palm-sized flat stone called pljočka from a certain distance. The aim is to throw the pljočka as close to the bulin and score a punat (point). The game was usually played until 11 or 13 points, exceptionally 15 or 21 points were collected. The article describes the revival of this game by a few enthusiasts and how it was kept alive. Establishment of pljočkanje clubs followed two paths: competitive sport and preservation of the traditional game. The Istrian Pljočkanje Association has been active in improving but also preservation of this game. With the assistance of the Ethnographic Museum of Istria they applied to the Ministry of culture proposing that the pljočkanje game be entered on the Croatian List of Intangible Cultural Heritage – One of the ways to popularise the game is to organise tournaments during local fêtes (e.g. Saint Bartholomew’s feast in Žminj, Saint Vitus’ festival in Gračišće, Saint Peter’s feast in Sveti Petar u Šumi etc.). The increasing interest in pljočkanje is shown by both younger and older generations who consider the game part of their cultural identity. Game demonstrations are thus being organised in schools and kindergartens. On the basis of the available resources (literature and club documents) and data obtained during field research, the author analyses the continuity of existence and the rootedness of this game in Istrian tradition. She also airs the views and the opinions of active stakeholders of the initiative to safeguard pljočkanje as intangible cultural heritage.
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