Reliquiae reliquiarum – mi prijašnji više nismo isti
Reliquiae Reliquiarum: We are not the Same

Summary/Abstract: During my field work in the region of Western Slavonia, I tried to establish, as accurately as possible regarding the postwar period in which the field work was performed, the 'existence' of traditional culture (or traditional cultures), or, in other words, the existence of cultural elements, which could represent a traditional culture. The region in question was exposed to frequent warfare, population migrations and different social, economic and cultural influences. Concerning its cultural or ethnic traits it does not present a unique or clearly identifiable whole, since, as a region, it represents a mixture of different identities. The preservation of cultural heritage exists mostly as shaped and re-shaped folklore treasure, is a part of consciousness of different cultural groups, and is very hard to find in the shape of 'original and indigenous' items of material culture. It seems that, in this context, the best-preserved cultural elements are coming from the folk beliefs, legends and mythologized past. Sudden and powerful social changes have sometimes broken the continuity and have changed, sometimes vitally, and in short periods of time, the cultural image of the area. New developments and new symbols have outlined the new identities - on the borderline between the real and the imaginary.

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