Barrel-Making Cooperage Craft in the Village of Starina near Zenica

Abstract

Crafts are considered one of the oldest economic activities of human society. Throughout their historical development, they have changed in form and significance, but have survived as an important segment of everyday life and economic activity. A rare form of woodworking craft has survived to the present day in the mountainous village of Starina, located approximately 25 kilometres north of Zenica, on the administrative boundary between the municipalities of Zenica and Žepče. The distinctive feature of this craft is reflected in the fact that the male members of the Gračić family have, for generations, been skilled in woodworking, particularly in the production of wooden barrels intended for storing sheep’s cheese, as well as other wooden objects used in the household. This paper provides an overview of the basic raw materials and tools used in the barrel-making cooperage craft, describes the production of individual cooperage products, and examines the challenges faced by the craft in the present day.