The techniques of weaving in Bosnia have been known from the Neolithic era. The first products of weaving were rugs with simple patterns. In the Middle Ages, we find the first Bosnian carpets also with simple patterns. During the era of the Otoman empire, the Bosnian carpet became more complex in terms of both design and technique of weaving. But the real success was achieved during Austro-Hungarian rule. They established the first weaving factory and published the first book illustrating original and traditional Bosnian patterns. The golden age of the Bosnian carpet was the period before Wold War I. Since that period, however, the development of the Bosnian carpet is in decline.
In the following video, the process of making of the traditional Bosnian carpet can be seen. The process is shown by Amila Smajovic, an eminent artist from Bosnia and Herzegovina who currently works as a professor on the International University of Sarajevo. Apart from making carpets and being a professor, Mrs. Smajovic was awarded with following prizes:
2010 The First Award for Textile for ‘The Collection of Zeh jewelry-wool jewelry’, awarded by ULUPUBIH, Collegium Artisticum in Sarajevo
2009 The Recognition for Protection and Preservation of Cultural Historical Heritage for ‘The Collection of carpets from Mosque in Lizoperci, National cultural heritage’, awarded by Federal Ministry Of Culture and Sport of BiH
2009 The First Award for Textile for ‘Unique tapestry, Note on theground’, awarded by Ulupubih, Collegium Artisticum in Sarajevo
2007 The Special Award ‘Kraljica Katarina Kosača’ for ‘Protecting cultural heritage and handcrafts’, awarded by the Association of small and middle businessmen and managers of BIH UMISPIM
2004 The Third Award for Sculpture for ‘Rug sculpture’ at the Open call for designing the sculpture in front of Avaz Business Centre in Sarajevo, BiH
2003 The First Award for New Media for ‘Made in B&H’, awarded by ULUPUBIH, Collegium Artisticum in Sarajevo
ST
