Спомен места: историја, сећања
Memorial place: history, memories
Contributor(s): Aleksandra Pavićević (Editor)
Subject(s): Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
Published by: Етнографски институт САНУ
Keywords: Cultural monuments; Balkan states; Culture of memory
Summary/Abstract: The collection of papers is the result of ethnological, historical and philosophical reflection on the role and ways of conceptualizing memorial sites in collective patterns of memory in Serbia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The authors of this collection linked their associations to monuments, memorial parks, museums, monasteries, cemeteries, ossuaries, but also to secular spaces filled with the ambiguous rhetoric of past times.
- Print-ISBN-13: 978-86-7587-053-1
- Page Count: 258
- Publication Year: 2009
- Language: Serbian
Паметниците – памет, култ или забрава
Паметниците – памет, култ или забрава
(Monuments – Reminiscence, Cult or Oblivion)
- Author(s):Radost Ivanova
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:15-21
- No. of Pages:7
- Keywords:socialist monuments; reminiscence; monument; cult; oblivion; Zivkov’ monument
- Summary/Abstract:This paper is dedicated to monuments built during the socialist era; these monuments are the result of an ideology maintained by the Bulgarian communist party. A special attention is given to changes brought about by democratic reforms at the end of 20th century and beginning of 21st century, in relation to these monuments. The overwhelming relationship contained is a denial of the socialist past, reflected through ambivalence, active struggle to forget or even a destruction of certain monuments from the period. Another issue is more limited but nevertheless more indicative in relation to failures of democracy. Namely, there is a trend, especially among older generations, expressed in nostalgia for “good, old times” which brought about a renewal of the cult as well as a new monument dedicated to Todor Zivkov, a long ruling communist leader.
Споменик краљу Петру I Карађорђевићу у Бијељини 1937-1993.
Споменик краљу Петру I Карађорђевићу у Бијељини 1937-1993.
(A Monument Dedicated to King Petar I Karadjordjevic in Bijeljina, 1937-1993.)
- Author(s):Tanja Lazić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:23-35
- No. of Pages:13
- Keywords:King Petar I Karadjordjevic; social and politic changes
- Summary/Abstract:Chronology of rising, destruction and rebuilding of Kings’ Peter I monument in Bijeljina reprezents fine example that changing of social and political circumstances and system in very short period of time changes symbols, national and cultural values, and that certenly is not the specific of this local community. Trying to reconstruct history of original monument rising from the year 1937 as well as history of rebuilding of King Peter I statue, we discovered mostly real mess in data and almost complete lack any archive documents. The same goes for period in between 1946-1992 when in preserved original monumnet base was placed symbol of Socialist Yugoslavia-column with red star. Therefore is very certain, that magnified stories about subject noted in local press, without serious answers to hard questions, without other resources, will eventually become original and certified historic source. And that brings us to the beginning. And certenly it’s one of the main reason why monuments dedicated to great events and important individuals signified for our cultural, historic and national identity have such „short period of duration“.
Свештеник, спомен-плоча и борба за сећање на пале борце у једном селу у Србији 1955-1956.
Свештеник, спомен-плоча и борба за сећање на пале борце у једном селу у Србији 1955-1956.
(A priest, Memorial Stone and Memories on Killed Soldiers in a Village of Serbia)
- Author(s):Max Bergholz
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, History of Communism, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:37-46
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:partisans; chetnicks; memorial stone; memory; repression
- Summary/Abstract:This essay investigates the politics and culture of war remembrance in Serbia after the Second World War by reconstructing events during 1955-1956 which took place in the village of Brezna (located in the Čačak region). The village’s orthodox priest, along with a number of local villagers, hung a plaque in their church in memory of all the local men who had been killed fighting during the war. Among the names carved on the plaque were not only those of Partisans, but also of Chetniks. In response, a number of relatives of fallen Partisans informed the authorities who then decided to hold a public meeting where they denounced the plaque. State security (UDBA), with the help of some local villagers, eventually destroyed the plaque and the priest was set to prison for two years. This reconstruction of the local politics and practices of war remembrance in Brezna vividly illustrates a fundamental contradiction in post-war Serbia: How could a lasting socialist society based on equality be built when not even the dead were equal?
Споменици и/или гробови: Сећање на смрт или декорација
Споменици и/или гробови: Сећање на смрт или декорација
(Monuments and/or Graves: Reminiscences of Death or Decoration)
- Author(s):Aleksandra Pavićević
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:47-60
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:Monuments; Graves; death; public space; cemetery
- Summary/Abstract:Monuments always served as means to create memories, markers of time, spatial separators, reflections of political ideas, teachers of morality and the highest values of a given epoch, instrumental artistic forms which were suppose to bring to a standstill a historical segment and win over temporariness. This paper will attempt to answer if and in which way monuments testify about death, that is, do they reflect an attitude of a certain society about this eternal issue, and what are the ways and means used so that the ideas became created and materialized in monuments? During my research, I came across several levels of readings of these monumental testimonies, while two came up as special to anthropology: the first issue revolves around ways in which a given time/epoch determines monuments, while the other revolves around ways in which monuments testify about latent contents of a given time/epoch. This is so because monuments do not testify only about what is being incision/made but also on people who ordered them. This research (which is in fact, more of a thinking about the issue than it pretends to provide final conclusions) is limited to so-called monument sculpture, that is, to monuments dedicated to persons and events on the territory of Belgrade, including memorial monuments at Novo Groblje. Deplacement of death from collective memory patterns is presented as a process which corresponds with the development of modern society in Serbia. This multi-layered process speaks about secularization of collective memory and place and role that the phenomena of death had in construction of desirable and mobilizing identity of the nation.
Зa паметниците в паркова среда
Зa паметниците в паркова среда
(On Monuments in Parks)
- Author(s):Stanka Janeva
- Language:Bulgarian
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Rural and urban sociology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:63-74
- No. of Pages:12
- Keywords:monument; park; functions
- Summary/Abstract:Monuments located in parks have one essential advantage over museum exponents: it is not necessary to know or understand much about sculpture or arts in general. Plus, as access is free, thus allowing spontaneous contact which aids that the message contained in a given monument reaches audience easily. A spontaneous contact with these art works predestines the monuments reflections through ideas important to masses. Ideological and educational functions and meanings suggested in these park monuments, are supported by tradition, that is, they support tradition of the monuments specific exposition in parks.
Бранковина, време и људи
Бранковина, време и људи
(Brankovina, an Era and People)
- Author(s):Dragana Lazarević Ilić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:75-85
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:monuments; historical individuals; levels; presentation
- Summary/Abstract:Due to its cultural monuments that have witnessed many crucial historical events, Brankovina is one of the well – known places. It is the place where philosophical and artistic thought of Hadzi Ruvim is interlaced with theological and governmental efforts and literary morals of Ljuba and Desanka Maksimovic, and thus the oasis for the most sophisticated needs of a human. Various historical monuments, mainly from the 19th century – church of Saints Archangels with its treasury, buildings of folk architecture together with the fact that this village was the first bastion of education, make Brankovine one of the most significant memorial places in Serbia. Protectors of the place were the family Nenadovic. The persistence of Prota Mateja to develop the culture of living in his home village along with the spiritual connection and efforts of Desanka Maksimovic to improve living conditions in our times are the main characteristic of this memorial complex. During the museology processing and presentation of above mentioned monuments, we took care of the specific purpose of historical monuments as well as of the role of the historical and cultural figures that were closely linked to Brankovina – not only by birth, but by spiritual determination as well.
Руралне целине у ваљевском крају као памћење и сећање
Руралне целине у ваљевском крају као памћење и сећање
(Rural Entities in Valjevo Region as Recollection and Memory)
- Author(s):Gordana V. Pajić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology
- Page Range:87-94
- No. of Pages:8
- Keywords:rural area; events; persons; memories
- Summary/Abstract:Valjevo region has rich cultural and historic heritage. Rural entities have a special place in it and especially prominent among them are: Village complex in Brankovina, Native house of Zivojin Misic in Struganik and Memorial house in Robaje. These entities are in the aspect of theme and time connected with the period and the persons from First Serbian Uprising (family Nenadovic), World War I (duke Zivojin Misic) and World War II (arrival of Josip Broz to the first free territory). Important historic events, which exceeded the local character, are very well incorporated in museological presentation and placed in the everyday milieu marked as traditional culture of dwelling and authentic objects – monuments put in the service of museum space. These ambient, historic-ethnological entities reflect in the best possible way the relation of large social community to cultural-historic heritage of a time, as historic processes are unfortunately observed as "positive or negative". Some of those monuments outlived the time (Village complex in Brankovina, Native house of Zivojin Misic) while others are forgotten (Memorial house in Robaje). Nevertheless, museum displays in them should have the role of cherishing the historic recollection and memory, to use them and to become the resources of general development of this region.
Слободиште - значење и поруке
Слободиште - значење и поруке
(Slobodište - Мeanings and Мessages)
- Author(s):Živka Romelić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:95-100
- No. of Pages:6
- Keywords:Slobodište; memorial complex; ideameaning; symbolsmessages
- Summary/Abstract:This paper discusses the basic meanings, symbols and messages of the memorial complex Slobodište in Kruševac. Considering that it was created in a certain time and ideological context, I emphasize changes started during the 1990’s, which significantly influenced the creation of the contemporary identity of Slobodište.
Реконструкција сећања, конструкција памћења - Кућа цвећа и Музеј историје Југославије
Реконструкција сећања, конструкција памћења - Кућа цвећа и Музеј историје Југославије
(Reconstruction of Reminiscence, Construction of Memory Tito’s Memorial House and Historical Museum of Yugoslavia)
- Author(s):Lada Stevanović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, History of Communism, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:101-116
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Kuća cveća; MIJ; collective memory; counter-memory; production (of memory); history
- Summary/Abstract:The memorials and museums belong to the public sphere and public life, representing an important component through which collective memory is being created and controlled. Their meanings are not given forever, but they change hand in hand with the needs and moves of political elites. The Museum 25th of May (Muzej 25. maj) and the House of Flowers (Kuća cveća) were established as the institutions of SFRJ, functioning in accordance to the state interests of the time. But, the political changes led, logically, to the changes in the work of Museum and the Memorial. I will try to explain the way in which the attitude towards past has been changing in Serbia (regarding social and political circumstances) through the research of these changes and the destiny of these institutions, on the emphasis of the change of their meaning and importance.
Антропологија историјске стварности у Документационом центру Нациналсоцијалистичке партије у у Нирнбергу (Баварска, Немачка)
Антропологија историјске стварности у Документационом центру Нациналсоцијалистичке партије у у Нирнбергу (Баварска, Немачка)
(Anthropology of Historical Reality in Documentation Centre of National-Socialistic Party in Nurnberg, Germany)
- Author(s):Vesna Marjanović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Fascism, Nazism and WW II, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:117-131
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:documentation centre; exposition; memory; places of memory; places of reminiscence; historic reality
- Summary/Abstract:The Documentation Centre of Hitler’s National-socialistic party in Nurnberg is a museum complex, a place of memory, which studies and presents historical and political frameworks that gave rise to National-socialistic party in Germany. Historical reality at the time of Nazism is presented by multimedia tools, allowing visitors to experience collective euphoria, birth, propaganda and end of the idea of the chosen people. The movement and formation of mass consciousness of borderline between we and they, devotion and betrayal of ideals- are the contents of new perspectives on historical reality. Documents presented include Hitler’s authentic speech, and those of his closest followers, photographs and other relevant documents and sources by modern media and technology tools. The time period includes before WW II, as well as the consequences after the war, implying thus to phenomenon of collective guilt and a real need for general national rehabilitation. This museum is visited by over 200.000 people from all over the world, and it is especially aimed at school population in Germany.
Естетика садржаја историјских чињеница – уметност презентације наслеђа
Естетика садржаја историјских чињеница – уметност презентације наслеђа
(Esthetic Contents in Historical Facts – an Art of Heritage Presentation)
- Author(s):Igor Stepančić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:133-141
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:Museum “21. oktobar”; Kragujevac; shooting-range; esthetic contents; design of experience; art; history
- Summary/Abstract:The memorial park “Kragujevacki oktobar”, in Kragujevac, is a unique spatial, artistic and historical unit which bears reminiscent to one of the most tragic events in the contemporary history- mass execution on October 21 in 1941. The central memorial place is the Memorial Museum “21. oktobar”, founded in 1976, by two architects, Ivan Antic and Ivanka Raspopovic. With its elaborated form and structure, this particular unit is an extraordinary piece of art, a unique example in the function of the memorial. For many families, it is a painful remainder of their respective loss. For wider range of people who visited the museum, the place represented a myth of 7000 executed pupils. The authors were faced with a serious task: to present death and suffering in a resident museum exhibition. After 12 years of fighting ideology and myth, in 2003, the museum founded new resident exhibition which presented facts in visually effective way hence integrating the contents in spatial structure in order to create a unique ambient of the museum. This new exhibition allows a more accurate representation on participants and events, multiple readings and unprecedented emotional “contact” with the events from 1941. A concept is simple, omits politics, explanations, ideology, guilt and responsibility, therefore, it is reduced to the fact that several thousand innocent people had died at the spot. It reminds of a temple, a place of epiphany, love of thy neighbor, and memories of the dead. The material is reduced with an aim to allow an easy reading into circumstances and chronological order of the events. A special place is given to the victims, their images and names, in order to represent an individual experience and suffering in war, making it so more contiguous to the public. The most important room, traditionally known as “Bloody tale” represents a repository, with the names and photos of the victims, a place to pay respect. This place is maintained by a temple and spirituality, rising above suffering and pain. For each deceased individual, there is a photo when available, while for those missing photographs, places were left empty. The authors named this room “A room of the soul projection”. So, a room becomes a repository where families of the victims can come and pay their respect, which is a universal human need that speaks a universal language. Here, esthetic of the facts is in a combination of facts being exhibited, means of handling information, ways of presentation and integration into the museum space, so that it in effect, communicates with an audience. The Memorial museum “21. oktobar” is a true example of such integration of material, space, esthetic and contents into a unique unit, which intertwines museum and reality outside the museum walls, perception requirements of an audience and adequate answers. Finally, due to this blending of the form and contents, the resident museum exhibition raised itself into a hymn dedicated to those poor people. Each of 2 794 killed men, women and children have their own place and eternal peace in the museum.
Градски простори од места до неместа, и vice versa: случај београдског Старог Сајмишта
Градски простори од места до неместа, и vice versa: случај београдског Старог Сајмишта
(City Locations from Place to – No-Place and Vice Versa: a case of the Belgrade’s Staro Sajmiste)
- Author(s):Srđan Radović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, Anthropology, Fascism, Nazism and WW II, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:145-160
- No. of Pages:16
- Keywords:Staro Sajmište; Belgrade; place; noplace; politics of reminiscence; politics of oblivion
- Summary/Abstract:Staro Sajmiste in Belgrade is taken as a paradigm of symbolic re-construction of a city place in a sense of culturally and politically determined definitions of urban areas. During many decades of the place’ existence, we are able to trace changes connected with this location as well as values attributed to appropriate transformations, especially so in the most recent time. The public significance of the place has underwent under many phases, from anthropological place to no-place, different modus and contents in commemoration of the place itself- inclusion from the city’s text and (non) recognition of objects and complex as a part of the whole city architecture…All these phases imply to a contradiction of urban centrality and symbolic periphery. Gradual passage of the location into the city’s “grey zone” is determined by a systematic process of symbolic de-commemoration of the locality, derogation of the same as a memorial place and public manipulation, as well as adaptation of the public fund of meanings connected with this place. Building and re-building of certain elements of a real anthropological place and (non) recognition of its commemorative value are determined by certain social, political and economic factors, owned by various discursive potentials.
Поглед на прошлост Београдског универзитета после Другог светског рата – стварање нове традиције
Поглед на прошлост Београдског универзитета после Другог светског рата – стварање нове традиције
(A Postwar Perception of History of the Belgrade University: Inventing a New Tradition)
- Author(s):Dragomir Bondžić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:161-174
- No. of Pages:14
- Keywords:University; students; national heroes; plaques; monuments
- Summary/Abstract:After the Second World War, fostering of the revolutionary tradition and of achievements of the People’s Liberation Struggle was taking place at Belgrade University, due to the strong interwar leftist movement at this institution, as well its importance for the entire postwar cultural policy of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia. Revolutionary tradition was fostered through the installment of monuments and plaques of the students who died in war and the wartime national heroes, which were positioned in the buildings of University and in the students’ dormitories. Dormitories, as well as workers’ brigades and cultural and artistic societies were named after them. Regular manifestations and ceremonies held after the war were dedicated to the events and personalities from the “glorious past” of the University, as an attempt to present it to the public as a grandiose mythology. Alongside with the commemoration of victims and fighters and fostering of the revolutionary tradition and history of the Party, particularly important was the creation of the revolutionary tradition of the ‘red University’ and imposition of such tradition as a key segment of the existence, work and future tasks of the highest scientific and educational institution in Serbia. This process commenced immediately after the liberation of Belgrade in 1944, and was under way during the entire period of socialism. The results persisted even after the collapse of the one-party socialist system. The names of the dormitories remained the same (with the exception of the “Ivo Lola Ribar” dormitory, whose initial name “King Alexander I” was reinstalled in 2005). Plaques and monuments of the heroic students remained in the University buildings and corridors of dormitories, although somewhat neglected, with their names and faces mostly forgotten. The Day of the Students of the Belgrade University is still celebrated on April 4, the day when a revolutionary student by the name of Žarko Marinović was killed in massive student demonstrations in 1936.
Наслеђе Авале
Наслеђе Авале
(The Heritage of the Avala Mountain)
- Author(s):Milina Ivanović Barišić
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Anthropology, Historical Geography, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:175-184
- No. of Pages:10
- Keywords:Avala; monuments; heritage; history; tradition
- Summary/Abstract:This paper discusses a relatively small location which could serve as a meeting spot with the past. The Avala mountain, near by Belgrade, serves as an example. This mountain is distinguished from others by its rich material remains and recent monuments. In addition, it is well known for its spiritual heritage too. There was a regular assembly held, which gathered villagers from the surrounding area and also some from Belgrade. Material and written sources testify on the past of this location- from prehistory, Roman times, Serbian Middle Age state, Turkish rule, Kingdom of Yugoslavia, SFR Yugoslavia, until the present Republic of Serbia. Taking all into an account, it appears that almost all Serbian rulers were one way or the other connected with this mountain, affecting so its appearance.
Места ходочашћа: српска војничка гробља у Грчкој
Места ходочашћа: српска војничка гробља у Грчкој
(Places of Pilgrimage: Serbian Soldiers’ Cemeteries in Greece)
- Author(s):Gordana Blagojević
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:185-189
- No. of Pages:5
- Keywords:Serbian soldiers’ cemeteries; Greece; pilgrimage; ethnic identity
- Summary/Abstract:During WW I many Serbian soldiers’ cemeteries were made in Greece. The well known are Zeytinlik (Thessaloniki) and Kosturnica on the island of Vido, that is, Blue cemetery in the water on Ionic Sea. These are historic monuments, visited by many thousands of Serbs each year. Except for their artistic values, these places are held to have other values for the visitors. This paper discusses functions and meanings these cemeteries have in everyday life of the contemporary Serbs on collective and individual plans.
Српство, југословенство и локалпатриотизам приликом подизања спомен-костурница на Мачковом камену и у Крупњу
Српство, југословенство и локалпатриотизам приликом подизања спомен-костурница на Мачковом камену и у Крупњу
(Serbian, Yugoslavian and Local Patriotism during Foundation of Memorial Church in Mackov Kamen and Krupanj)
- Author(s):Nenad Lajbenšperger
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:191-199
- No. of Pages:9
- Keywords:memorial church; Mačkov kamen; Krupanj; Drina’s battle; Serbian; Yugoslavian and local patriotism
- Summary/Abstract:At the end of second and beginning of the third decade of the 20th century, two memorial churches were found, on Mackov kamen and Krupanj; both were aimed and dedicated to burry remains of the Serbian soldiers who died during the battle on Drina in 1914 and battles in Krupanj during 1914 and 1915. These two memorials were founded by two committees, one in Belgrade and one in Krupanj. Both committees were represented by current government officials which allowed that the state ideology reflects itself in these manifestations. In times when the state was trying to reinforce mutual respect and tolerance among people/nations of Yugoslavia, it was difficult to praise the role of the Serbian army alone without provoking negative reactions. The formula was found in emphasizing the role of the Serbian army in liberation of all South Slavs. With a common aim, it was possible to celebrate the war role of one of the people in the state. In fundraising for memorials, there were, sometimes in the same sentence, allusions to Serbian and Yugoslav patriotism. The souls of the dead soldiers were used in daily political affairs. The poems of Vojislav Ilic Mladji call for peace and tolerance among the people of Yugoslavia. The inhabitants of the two separate areas quarrel around the place where to build a memorial. Certain membership reflected in fundraising too, since most contributions came from the Serbs.
Манастири у Дробњаку
Манастири у Дробњаку
(Monasteries in Drobnjak)
- Author(s):Žarko Leković
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Anthropology, History of Church(es), Eastern Orthodoxy, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:201-211
- No. of Pages:11
- Keywords:Monastery; Drobnjak; Bijela; Podmalinsko; Dobrilovina
- Summary/Abstract:Church represented very important part of the social and political development of Drobnjaks. Especially very intensive activities of the monasteries Bijela, Dobrilovina and Podmalinsko, which even without some bigger estates in their possession, but protected by inaccessbility of the terrain and thanks to privileged position of the residents there, they succeded in developing its full potential and fulfilling their job in the most difficult period of slavory under Otoman empire. The influence of these monasteries on the residents and surrounding areas was very evident and very significant. Their influence was evident in whole Hercegovina and monks from these monasteries reached even the farthest serbian areas. Special role and respect belong to the transcribers from the monasteries whose books are very valuable and wanted from many exceptional and important people's leaders (leaders from the populus). Due to the activities of these monks from the monasteries, they were target of Turks attacks. The Turks attacks significantly damaged these monasteries but local citizens after each attack would rebuild and reconstructed the monasteries again, making them even more glorious and magnificient.
Знаменито место Тршић као простор одржавања годишњег ритуала евокације – Вукови сабори седамдесетих година 20. века
Знаменито место Тршић као простор одржавања годишњег ритуала евокације – Вукови сабори седамдесетих година 20. века
(The Memorable Location of Trsic: a Space of Annual Ritual of Evocation Vuk’ Assemblies During the 1970’s)
- Author(s):Dajana Đedović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Politics, History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:215-229
- No. of Pages:15
- Keywords:Vuk’ assemblies; ritual; ideology; politics; emotions; symbolic order
- Summary/Abstract:Seventy five years has passed since the foundation of Vuk’ assemblies thus providing a good opportunity for analysis of instrumentalization, ideologization and political affairs connected with the manifestation, in the light of different social orders and cultural politics. This is a very special manifestation, dedicated to the “reformer of the Serbian language”, Vuk Karadzic, who provoked a creation of a special social myth in Serbian culture. Old festivities, such as assemblies and many other rituals had given a sense of stability and continuity to the people, while they provided at the same time, security and sense of belongings to the society that rejected tradition. A need of the mass for this kind of celebration and rituals has corresponded with the interest of the ruling political and intellectual elite, to obtain status quo, a certain social and political order. Every political movement that comes close to Vuk could count for one piece of his aura. This is the reason why Vuk’ assembly had managed to continue, as a central state/national manifestation through different time periods, since the time of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia, to period of socialism, as well as in times of national euphoria, till the period of transition. In the 1970, the assembly has got its permanent structure, as an annual ritual, with a basic tendency to be “an exemplary and significant parade of the Serbian culture”. The natural amphitheatre in the memorial complex in Trsic, with a scene made in 1964, has provided ideal conditions to the directors of this ceremony; it is held for almost four decades according to the same protocol, to attract mass gathering on an annual basis. The mighty goddess of political mythology- the Nature- is somehow always present in the service of totalitarian regimes. In the case of Vuk’s birthplace, it signifies “purity, while green cauldron of Trsic requires trees and flowers to be loved and free flow of its water”. In such ambient, along with all the rest elements of a ritual of evocation, aimed to remind us on some stereotypes buried deep in the basis of our collective identity, it was not difficult to evoke emotional collective characteristics of a community. Emotions aroused during the ritual are emotions of a given community, and thus each member could be integrated into a social order. The final celebration of Vuk’ assembly emphasizes the dominant values of the community, posts models of thinking and behavior, which individuals imitate later on, in a real life. The people in charge with this manifestation have powerful weapons- Vuk himself and his hearthstone. For people living in this area, hearthstone is of a special importance: it is a central place in a home, a collective place of a family and extended members. It is a place where people gather to talk and discuss things. This very idea of the symbolism carried in hearthstone was behind an attempt to renew Vuk’s house; however, many professional remarked that the renewal could bring back to life an original house, renewed in 1933. This type of house has been made some 30 years after Vuk was born, when he was already residing in Vienna. This is just another confirmation that scientific truth is not taken into account in front of ideology and symbolic order.
Политичка инструментализација Вукових сабора од 1987. до 2005. године
Политичка инструментализација Вукових сабора од 1987. до 2005. године
(Political Instrumentalisation of “Vukovovi Sabori” Manifestations from 1987-2005)
- Author(s):Jovana Diković
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):History, Anthropology, Politics of History/Memory
- Page Range:231-249
- No. of Pages:19
- Keywords:political instrumentalisation; Vukov sabor; Vuk Karadzic; nationalistic discourse; european discourse
- Summary/Abstract:Within the scope of “Vukovi Sabori” manifestations held in the period from 1987 until 2005 we retraced both relationship of political and cultural elite towards personality of Vuk Karadzic and towards another important symbolical potentials of Serbian society. From the perspective of two discourses, nationalistic and European, we analyzed a relation towards national values and symbols that has varied according topical Serbian political direction. Within the auspice of Sabor as a cultural event (although mainly cultural and educative motives of this manifestation were frequently neglected) in seemingly apolitical atmosphere, strictly political messages were popularized and many opportunities for establishing political legitimacy were created.
Хроника: Интензивирање делатности и заседање Скупштине Етнолошког и антрополошког друштва Србије
Хроника: Интензивирање делатности и заседање Скупштине Етнолошког и антрополошког друштва Србије
(Chronicle: Intensification of activities and session of the Assembly of the Ethnological and Anthropological Society of Serbia)
- Author(s):Srđan Radović
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Anthropology
- Page Range:251-253
- No. of Pages:3
Прикази: Незаобилазна литература
Прикази: Незаобилазна литература
(Reviews: Essential literature)
- Author(s):Aleksandra Pavićević
- Language:Serbian
- Subject(s):Anthropology, Book-Review
- Page Range:255-258
- No. of Pages:4
- Summary/Abstract:Maja Brljačić i Sandra Prlenda (prir.), Kultura pamćenja i historija, Golden marketing-Tehnička knjiga, Zagreb, 2006 (414 strana, latinica) Olga Pintar Manojlović (ur.), Istorija i sećanje, Studije istorijske svesti, Institut za noviju istoriju Srbije, Beograd, 2006 (266 strana, latinica)
