HOW ZMIJANJE EMBROIDERY WON OVER THE SWISS

People far from their homeland, yet deeply connected to their roots, have successfully passed on their love for their birthplace to future generations. In doing so, they have even managed to spark interest among the reserved Swiss in the traditions and customs of Manjača, Banja Luka, and the Krajina region.

These words reflect the mission of the members of the Women’s Humanitarian Association "Duga," describing the efforts of Banja Luka natives living in Lucerne, Switzerland. There, they organized an event showcasing Zmijanje embroidery.

“This event was not just an opportunity to present the beauty of Zmijanje embroidery but also to highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the love for one’s homeland,” said representatives from "Duga."

The president of the association, Slobodanka Ristić Gašić, told Glas Srpske that both Swiss locals and the Serbian diaspora were amazed by the handmade pieces.

“The event was enriched by actors from the ‘Jazavac’ City Theatre, the National Theatre of Republika Srpska, ethno-singer Hilda Hrekes from the group ‘Trag,’ and Radovan Ivanović, the European champion in accordion playing. A play titled Around the World on a Scooter was performed, introducing visitors to our culture through acting and traditional folk music,” said Ristić Gašić.

She added that many attendees purchased handcrafted items adorned with Zmijanje motifs.

“The Swiss were especially intrigued. One man, who did not speak a word of Serbian or English, bought two pairs of slippers decorated with Zmijanje embroidery motifs. Our compatriots helped us communicate with him and explain their significance. He listened with fascination as we described our tradition and told us he had already visited Banja Luka and planned to return. He said that when he does, he will view our city in a completely different light,” Ristić Gašić recounted.

Members of "Duga" highlighted that Zmijanje embroidery was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List a decade ago, becoming the first intangible cultural treasure of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This unique technique, practiced by the women of Zmijanje—a plateau near Banja Luka—has thus been recognized as a global asset.

“From the very beginning, ‘Duga,’ in collaboration with the Zavičajno Udruženje ‘Zmijanje,’ the cultural association ‘Veselin Masleša,’ and relevant institutions, played a key role in achieving this dream. On November 26, 2014, this distinctive embroidery gained the recognition it deserves,” said members of "Duga."

Since then, raising awareness about Zmijanje embroidery through promotions, education, and workshops has become one of the association’s main priorities.

“For the past four years, we have been organizing a Little School of Zmijanje Embroidery for children. Adults have also had the chance to uncover the secrets of this unique craft,” stated the humanitarian women from Banja Luka.

Last year, "Duga" members set a Guinness World Record by creating the longest traditional towel in the world, decorated with Zmijanje embroidery.

“The towel was 31 meters long, crafted by 43 embroiderers, including 12 children from the Little School of Zmijanje Embroidery. It features 155 motifs and was completed in less than eight hours. The record was achieved in three categories: the longest traditional towel, the largest number of embroiderers working on a single towel, and the fastest completion—seven hours and 47 minutes,” said members of "Duga."