TRADITION OF KNITTING WITH REED IN MACEDONIA

Knitting with reed is one of the oldest art forms of humanity. It can be an ethnic and cultural icon full of myths and stories, carrying with it often a part of the religion and symbolism of the community that produces is. As in the past, the baskets are made mostly from plant material and cover a wide range of objects in different shapes, from ordinary small boxes to large baskets.
Knitting baskets are part of the cultural heritage of almost all indigenous tribes, and the types and creations depend on the different customs and art of craft. Their function can be different - from storage of dry food, liquids, storing clothes, household use, etc. All ancient civilizations used various types of baskets, including the ancient Romans.
Tamidzana-a glass dish covered with knitted reed for storing rakija
Part of the rich tradition of our region will surely find a place in promotional tourist magazines. For foreigners, the old crafts that barely survive are especially interesting, and the heirs are less and less.
"You need to pick the reed first, then bring it home, then peel it with primitive tools and start knitting. For example, one small basket with prepared materials can be knitted in 3 hours, "said Borka Bogeški, a basket knitter.
He learned the craft from his grandfather, who was a famous basket knitter in the whole region. Now his grandson is very interested in the craft and plans to pass the craft to him. His only desire is to keep this craft alive.
This kind of baskets are mostly sold to tourists. This craft was characteristic only in several parts of the country, that is, where the reed grows. One of the largest producers of knitted cane and rogozin in Macedonia was the village of Monospitovo thanks to the monospit blast in which the reed is in abundance. This craft a few decades ago was the basic source of existence almost in the whole village, and today it is the additional activity of only several households. The knitted reed in the past had an important role in everyday life, starting from construction, to agriculture.