Art
Object number2005.50.3 a-z
Date1984
Credit LineGift of Slovenian Heritage Association
DescriptionTwenty-five small wooden beehive front boards, each painted with a different religious, historical, or cultural scene. Plastic bees used for decoration.DimensionsDoors: H: 4.75 in. W: 11.75 D: .5 in.
Plastic bee body: L: .875 in.
Pipe cleaner bee body: L: .5 to 1 in.
MarksDoors marked with * have stickers on the back that say "Hand made in Slovenija." Doors marked with ^ have stickers on the back the say "Gorenjska."
Historical NotesThe doors were bought in various regions of Slovenia between 1984-1994 and used by the Slovenian Heritage Association in their displays at the Pittsburgh Folk Festival and other events. Beekeeping has long been a central part of Slovenian culture. The doors are painted to show the bees the entrance to their hive and also to help the beekeepers remember the hives in which bees have already swarmed. They may also have served as a sign of luxury to wealthy farmers who could afford them.The doors are painted with religious, historical, and cultural motifs. At least 700 motifs have been recorded in Slovenia. Label TextThese painted wooden doors are replicas of real beehive doors found in Slovenia. Painted door fronts first became popular in the 18th and 19th Centuries, though beekeeping has long been an important part of Slovenian culture. A sign of prosperity, the painted panels also helped both farmers and bees to distinguish between the beehives. Many hundreds of cultural, historic, and religious scenes have been recorded on the fronts, which are almost exclusive to Slovenia.
Previous owner
Slovenian Heritage Association
Related person
Terry Stefl
On View
On view
Hamilton Manufacturing Company
