The Museum of Sicanje is a mobile pop-up museum that presents the traditional Catholic tattooing practice of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a contemporary way. Due to its innovative concept and the possibility of touring, it has the potential to develop into a strong and recognizable cultural brand.
The project is currently in the development phase and is open to partnerships and collaborations.
SICANJE
Sicanje, also known as bocanje (“pricking”) or križićanje (“cross-making”), is a centuries-old tattooing tradition among Catholics in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It originated during the Ottoman period as a means of preserving religious and cultural identity, although its symbols and the practice itself date back much further. Today, the motifs of sicanje are experiencing a revival through contemporary tattooing and popular culture.
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![A black and white drawing of a woman from Zenica, wearing traditional Croatian tattoos on her arms and a neck, with her hand resting on her chest.]()
Woman from Zenica (Gluck, 1894)
Tattooing was practiced mostly by woman - tattoos were a way of preserving identity and a sense of belonging.
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![Two hands with traditional Croatian tattoos featuring geometric and symbolic patterns, including suns, crosses, dots and lines.]()
Sicanje motifs (Krutak, 2007)
Cross motifs were tattooed on visible parts of the body as a clear expression of religious identity.
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![A young woman in traditional clothing sitting on the floor, receiving a tattoo from an older woman in a traditional setting, with various artifacts around.]()
Depiction of tattooing (Erzherzog, 1897)
Sicanje had its own ritual, with specific timing and a distinct method of execution.
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![Ancient Greek black-figure pottery depicting a thracian women with solar tattoos.]()
Thracian with solar tattoos
The motifs of sicanje originate from ancient symbols whose meanings have evolved over the centuries.
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![Vogue Adria editorial with motifs of sicanje]()
Vogue Editorial, 2024
Today, the motifs of sicanje live on through contemporary tattooing and popular culture.
MUSEUM CONCEPT
The museum’s form is inspired by kolo—a traditional circular dance—as well as by the circular symbols of sicanje. It consists of five circular modules through which visitors move as if participating in a dance. The modular structure allows for different configurations depending on the space.
Thanks to its modular construction, the Museum of Sicanje can be dismantled, transported and reassembled in different cities.
MUSEUM AS A BRAND
The museum’s identity extends into fashion, jewelry, and fragrance, while visitors can design their own temporary tattoos, try them out, and purchase them on-site.
Symbols worn on the skin for centuries are now part of contemporary design.
PARTNERSHIPS AND INVESTMENT
Interested in a partnership, investment opportunity, or institutional collaboration?
Contact us at:
info@muzejsicanja.hr
