Dominacija žena u medičarstvu Hrvatskog zagorja i Podravine
The Dominance of Women in the Craft of Candle and Cake-making in Croatian Zagorje and Podravina

Summary/Abstract: This traditional craft consists of making candles, honey-cookies, and honey-dough sculptures coated with wax of different colors. The craft has existed in the Varaždin area at least since the second half of the 17th century when the local craftsmen were organized in the guild of licitari of Styria. Men used to be bearers of the craft; however, their widows would often continue the home industry by marrying or living with men who used to work for their husbands. At present, in Croatian Zagorje and Podravina the craft is increasingly taken over by women who actually do the productive work, marketing on local markets and fairs, and who own the firm. Their creations and improvements of the product often bring them reputation of real artists. This example of women’s domination is probably an aspect of women’s emancipation in general.

• Details
• Contents