Details
Motif of the Grobnik bell-ringer whose origins lie in the cattle-breeding area of Grobnik, close to Rijeka. A constant and one of the first participants of the Rijeka International Carnival and a recognisable symbol of Rijeka. It represents the Bell-ringer in his characteristic costume, a red check pattern flannel shirt called stomanja, black trousers called brageše, black leather boots called postoli and thick white woollen socks. On his head he has a sheepskin headdress with an animal skull and horns - krabuja. His face is uncovered. Around his neck he has a red scarf. He is cloaked in sheepskin and around his waist he has three bells tied with a rope – dondolo. In his hand he is holding a wooden žunta – stylised mace. Ceramic object, height 32 cm, with sheepskin and an animal skull with horns on his head, cloaked with a sheepskin coat, a red, cotton, three bells. Authentic artist’s craft-work, made in the original hand-shaped ceramic technique. The product has been fired twice at a temperature of 1000 °C. The bell-ringer's origins date far back to prehistoric times. They are connected to the cattle-breeding area, which is also shown in their equipment, as their principal task was to chase away the fearful winter ghosts and stimulate the new spring cycle. The name Dondolaš comes from the word “dondolo” which means “bell”. According to the legend the Bell-ringers (dondolaši) came from the shepherds. So during the feudal system period they chased forest animals away from the domestic feudal animals herd and were paid for doing so. They therefore had to look as terrifying as possible and make loud noises. Today the bell-ringers (dondolaši) represent the guardians of customs and tradition. During the period of Shrove-tide and Carnival, regardless of the weather conditions, they visit, the villages of their homeland in large groups as they did in days gone by. Today their magical functions are secondary. Thanks to their impressive theatrical performance, they are a first class tourist attraction. They are constant participants of the Rijeka International Carnival, which is the largest in Croatia and one of the most famous in Europe.
