“Baština” d.o.o., vuna i nove tradicije: Tekstilno rukotvorstvo u Hrvatskoj danas
“Heritage” Ltd., Wool and New Traditions: Textile Handicrafts in Croatia Today

Summary/Abstract: The article gives a brief outline of the two attempts of revitalization of textile handicrafts in Croatia: first example is the nongovernmental organization 'Ruta' from the Island of Cres, which was founded in 2000 and which is using the wool of the sheep from the island, which would have otherwise been discarded and burned down, to make felt souvenirs. They have used the knowledge of the older inhabitants of the Island of Cres, and the available literature to (re)invent the technique of felt-making, with the final motif to increase the employment in the town of Cres and to, as is stated in the name of their organization, improve the quality of life on the island. The second example is a little company, called 'Baština' (Heritage) LLC, from the village of Koprivnički Ivanec, situated on the northern exit from the town of Koprivnica, in the north-western region of Croatia. They are focused on making souvenirs featuring a famous (in ethnological writings) red embroidery found on the traditional costumes of the rural population of the region, with the intention to preserve it and increase the interest of the local community for its production. Their main goal is to make the embroidery items 'as close to original as possible'. In the conclusion of this article, the author is trying to point to some common elements of the two case studies and thus create a possible base for the analysis of the similar organizations and attempts of the revitalization of textile handicrafts today.

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