Ethnology Department

The Ethnology Department collects, maintains, exhibits, and studies all items of material, spiritual, and social culture of the peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has a rich collection of material which is stored or arranged into thematic exhibitions. It has two permanent exhibition and organises several thematic shows every year.

The gathering of ethnological material started when the National Museum was founded in 1888, with the purchase of valuable ethnological items (for instance, national costumes). Just after the founding, the department was integrated into the Archaeology Department, but broke off again four years later. As of 1913, the department has been housed in the museum's Ethnology Pavilion, whose interior imitates that of a traditional Bosnian urban house.

Exhibitions

Odjeljenje za etnologiju, kutija za nakit, 19. stoljeće, 19. vijek, filigran

Jewellery box

This is a silver box made using the filigree technique – a very delicate and demanding method of working silver or gold wire into different shapes. The art of filigree was practised by master goldsmiths and silversmiths specialised in filigree work.

Odjeljenje za etnologiju, oružje, jatagan bjelosapac

Whitehaft yatagan

The yatagan (curved dagger) was not only a weapon carried by men every time they left the house, but also a status symbol that testified to its owner's maturity, virility, and wealth.

Odjeljenje za etnologiju, posuda za vodu, bucat

Saddle bucket

The saddle bucket used to be part of the rural household inventory. It was made by coopers, who, up until the mid-20th century, provided country households with vessels for the transport and preservation of water, milk, wine, and other liquids.

Etnologija, materijalna kultura, bardak, Višnjica, glina, keramika, višnjička keramika

Spouted ewer

Central Bosnia is known as a location where pottery was made on a potter's wheel – the oldest technology for making ceramic objects. Without a doubt, Višnjici ceramics, also known as white ceramics, are the most famous, and are considered the most beautiful pottery in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Odjeljenje za etnologiju, narodna nošnja, ženska nošnja, anterija

Overdress (anterija)

A garment worn over an embroidered shirt, the overdress (anterija) was worn in wealthy houses, especially in cities, until the early 20th century.

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