Lace in Croatia – Tradition and Sustainable Development

Abstract

On the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in Croatia, art has taken its place, respectively the skill of textile handicrafts, better known as lacemaking, which rests on preservation, promotion and sustainability tradition. Consequently, sustainable development is based on an integrated, comprehensive approach to economic, ecological and social values through the natural, social and human sciences. Interweaving threads using a needle or a stick forms a characteristic shape of textile activity that requires exceptional calmness, patience, precision and specific work of hands whose product is a handicraft called lace. This work aims to explore and compare the role and purpose of Croatian lace in the past and today to raise awareness of tradition and the value that Croatian lace still carries today. The lace tradition in Croatia has been nurtured for centuries, especially in smaller rural areas where women have woven their traces in the rich history of folk art by making lace. Silk, cotton, linen, silver and gold threads form a hollow work worthy of admiration. With their technological and artistic characteristics, lace works are not only an integral part of the culture of the community but also an indicator of artistic creativity in Croatia.

Keywords

• Croatian lace, intangible cultural heritage, sustainable development, tradition, art