The richest and most diverse collection of the Museum of Sarajevo is the Ethnological Collection, which inherits objects characteristic of the culture of living in Sarajevo and its surroundings from the arrival of the Ottomans to the present day. It is one of the oldest collections in the Museum, formed through donations, purchases, and ethnographic and historiographical research. The first donations came from the 3rd Region and Department of the Administration of the Sarajevo National Committee, with entries recorded in the inventory book as early as 1948, before the official establishment of the Museum. The collection includes original exhibits from home, craft, and factory production, representing life in Sarajevo and its surroundings during the Ottoman and partly Austro-Hungarian periods. In 1956, additional items were added, recorded as gifts from the Executive Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The inventory books do not specify the origins of these objects or how they came into the possession of the committees and the Council, leaving their direct provenance unknown. These items predominantly include copperware, and collection of jewelry and watches.
Zorica Janjić-Černjavski, serving from 1954 to 1976, was first curator of the Ethnological Collection. She was also the first curator employed by the Museum of Sarajevo. In 1977, Vilma Niškanović, an ethnologist, took over the collection and remained in that position until 1992 when she left the Museum, and Sarajevo departing for Belgrade. Following the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Amra Madžarević was appointed to manage the collection in 1997 and continues in this role to the present day.
The collection is meticulously recorded in four inventory books. The first three books are written in the Cyrillic alphabet, which presents no inherent problem. However, the handwriting in these books is often very illegible, making the graphology difficult to decipher. Despite this, the inventory books themselves are significant artifacts, reflecting not only the exhibits cataloged within them but also the history of the collection, the Museum, and the political climate of the times
The Ethnological Collection at the Museum of Sarajevo includes a rich array of traditional regalia of city folks, predominantly from the Ottoman period, with a few examples of Austro-Hungarian fashion. The collection features women's, men's, and parts of children's clothes, encompassing both everyday and formal wear. These costumes not only illustrate the way people dressed and the social status of those who wore them, but they are also important from another aspect, that is highlighting the craftsmanship involved in their creation. Many of the festive costumes are lavishly decorated with intricate handwork, showcasing the skills of the artisans and women of that era. Unlike rural clothing of the time, these are mostly made from imported materials.
The clothes of the rural folk from the Sarajevo region, particularly the extensive collection from Bjelašnica, are primarily crafted from hand-woven linen and domestic wool. The vibrant colors and motifs reflect the creativity of village women, while the various shapes and types of clothing provide insights into the wearers' status, especially that of Bosnian women, as well as the climatic conditions and religious affiliations of the owners.
The textile houseware collection is diverse and fascinating, containing both utilitarian and decorative items. Decorative pieces include bridal clothing known as boščaluci – the clothes and textile items that a young bride would bring into her marital household, ornate wraps (scarfs, towels), embroidered pillowcases, and more. Utilitarian items encompass head scarfs, wraps, tablecloths, curtains, mats, and rugs. Most of these items are homemade, though some are imported, indicating a developed trade network during the periods they date from. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of carpets, rugs, and mats, many of which are integral to the exhibits in Svrzo’s House and Despić House. These items not only serve as beautiful examples of textile art but also provide a tangible link to the domestic life and cultural heritage of Sarajevo's past.
In addition to textile household items, the Ethnological Collection also houses pieces of furniture, primarily from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Items such as seharas , peškuns , flower stands, shelves, ćošetnjaks , and škrabije showcase the skill and beauty of woodcarving in the region, revealing elements of the traditional Bosnian interior. The collection of tableware, like other collections, presents a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western cultures. Copper dishes, crafted by Sarajevan artisans over centuries, are now iconic traditional souvenirs. This part of the collection includes tinned copper items decorated with the savat technique, such as pitchers, sahans , jezves, baking pans, demirlije , and zarves . Another significant segment features porcelain dishes, with the dining tableware from the Konak residence being particularly noteworthy.
Given that in Sarajevo, coffee is far more than just a beverage; it is an integral part of the local culture, involving a particular ritual of preparation and consumption. Reflecting this cultural significance, the Museum's collection includes a dedicated assortment of coffee-related items and smoking accessories. The coffee collection features cezves (coffee pots), fincans (small coffee cups), zarves (cup holder), and elegant serving platters. Complementing these are smoking kits that include chibouks (long-stemmed pipes), cigarette holders, various types of pipes, and ashtrays. These items not only highlight the rich tradition and ritual surrounding coffee in Sarajevo but also provide a glimpse into the leisurely and social aspects of daily life in the region.
Items from the children's toy collection, predominantly handmade, are a true rarity—captivating, innovative, and above all, original. In today's world, where children are immersed in media such as television, the internet, and social networks, these toys appear both intriguing and almost surreal. Each object in this collection possesses its own beauty, value, and unique story, making it difficult to single out the most beautiful or attractive. However, some standout items include Husein-Captain Gradaščević's binjiš , notable for its story and significance, and the Čurčić family's anterija renowned for its lavisheness, ženski kat/ the women's outfit sets distinguished for its specificity, while the nakurnjak from Bjelašnica stands out for its unusualness and sense of humor. Additionally, the collection of needle work an handicrafts from Bjelašnica is remarkable for its authenticity.
The Ethnological Collection is partly displayed in our exhibitions, while the rest is kept in repository. To bring this collection, along with others, closer to the public, the museum organizes occasional thematic exhibitions showcasing objects from storage. Continuously enriching the collections is an ongoing museum task. We strive to systematically expand our collections, though our funds for acquisitions are often limited compared to the needs and available offerings. Prioritizing acquisitions is, therefore, crucial.
