Why is tinkering on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity today? And what has earned this craft the admiration of many around the world?
We tend to think of crafts as something old, hidden under the veil of the past. However, they are a sign of who our ancestors were, they show how the past and the present have been shaped and they help us to better understand all that we have around us.
Tinkering in Slovakia
Tinkering in Slovakia is a phenomenon that is unparalleled in any other country. A unique piece of Slovak folklore, Slovak people and culture as such.
The very first historical mention of tinkering dates back to 1714 and with it the name of the first known tinker – Juraj Drotárik. The lack of arable land or the desire of the population to find another way of making a living is linked to its origins. Thus, this is how this beautiful craft was born, admired by all those who come across it for more than 200 years.
Once upon a time, tinkers were door-to-door repairers of crockery or manufacturers of, at that time, ordinary pieces of wire or sheet metal. Over time, however, tinkering has become a phenomenon sought after by tourists from all over the world.
Is it possible to see tinkers today?
Yes. At a time when there were about 5000 tinkers in Slovakia, it was at its imaginary peak and over the years their number may have declined, but there are still those who keep this beautiful craft alive for all of us looking for fascinating pieces of culture.
If you long to see a tinker at work, take a unique piece from his workshop back to your home, or even try your hand at tinkering for yourself, you can experience it all with True Slovakia.
Did tinkers have a secret language?
It is said that tinkers used a kind of their own language – krpoština. As they often lived on the edge of poverty, travelled a lot to sell their products, it was sometimes necessary to keep things secret from the public eye and ear. Protection from sanctions, officials or law enforcers, they were prepared for all this, and so a combination of languages (Hungarian, Slovak, German) was created.
Slovakia hides many secrets and cultural phenomena that are worth seeing. If you are wondering what you could visit in Slovakia, take a look at our offer and write to us. We’ll plan your dream trip.
