Zmijanje embroidery is a specific embroidery technique practiced by the women of Zmijanje villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Zmijanje is located between the rivers Vrbas and Sana of Bosnian Krajina, the Kozara mountains in the north, and the Mrkonji Grad, Ribnik, and Klju fields in the south, the Zmijanje area (central region of Bosnian Krajina) was the largest of these territories. Its unique embroidery style and technique are well known to decorate the clothing of women in this area.
The basic characteristic of Zmijanje embroidery is embroidery style uses deep blue thread, vegetable-dyed, to sew improvised geometric shapes on white backgrounds. The blue thread on white background distinguishes it from other embroidery styles in the area, which rely more on various thread colors and is created by hand.
From the heraldic cross to the apple and a branch, to the flowers and other patterns, there is an amazing treasury of expressions and meanings. Happiness for the family, good health, healthy offspring, and a sense of belonging are all expressed in Zmijanje. The young women embroidered their national costumes with the deepest embroidery they could to signify their readiness for marriage.
A type of embroidery used to decorate female clothing and household items such as wedding dresses, scarves, garments, and bed linen. Zmijanje embroidery is traditionally done by women and performed in a group setting.
The required knowledge and skills are passed down orally and through practical work. The knowledge is transmitted orally and through practical work. Students learn to combine predetermined elements into numerous variations by watching embroiderers and by practicing continuously.
Even so, the fabric for demonstrating the skills required to make Zmijanje embroidery has changed, but the embroidery has kept its authenticity. Crosses are first made with a needle before being connected in various geometric shapes using a thread. Originally, hemp and flax were used for embroidery, then cotton fabric, and today, industrial fabrics. However, the use of a needle or thread to create crosses, then connect them into geometric shapes is the method used. According to Serbian folklore, the kolo ornament represents the idea of life and the universe as a perpetual motion, conditioned by the harmony of opposites in a cosmic rhythm.
Furthermore, Mijanje embroidery ties together many different elements of cultural heritage, such as music, rituals, oral traditions, handicrafts, and symbolic expressions, for example. It incorporates respect for diversity and creativity. And also incorporates non-verbal communication. Most commonly, it is used by displaced populations. Embroidered garments are an expression of national and local identity and pride.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/zmijanje-embroidery-00990) (https://craftatlas.co/crafts/zmijanje-embroidery) (http://zmijanje.com/eng/ovezu.html) (https://sh-m-wikipedia-org.translate.goog/wiki/Zmijanje?_x_tr_sl=hr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=id&_x_tr_pto=sc)