Museum of Sicanje is a mobile pop-up museum that presents the traditional Catholic tattoo from 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 the Catholics of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It originated during the Ottoman period as a way of preserving religious and cultural identity, although the symbols and practice itself date back much further. Today, the motifs of sicanje are reviving through contemporary tattoos and popular culture.
-
![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 belonging.
-
![Two hands with traditional Croatian tattoos featuring geometric and symbolic patterns, including suns, crosses, dots and lines.]()
Sicanje motifs (Krutak, 2007)
Cross ornaments are tattooed in visible places as a clear sign of religious identity.
-
![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 a specific timing and method of performance.
-
![Ancient Greek black-figure pottery depicting a thracian women with solar tattoos.]()
Thracian with solar tattoos
The motifs of the sicanje originate from ancient symbols that have changed their meanings over the centuries.
-
![Vogue Adria editorial with motifs of sicanje]()
Vogue Editorial, 2024
Today, the motifs of the sicanje live on through contemporary tattoos and popular culture.
MUSEUM CONCEPT
The form of museum is inspired by ´kolo´ – the circular dance and circular symbols of sicanje. The museum consists of five circular modules through which visitors move through them as if participating in a dance. The modular structure allows for different displays 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 fragrances, while visitors can design their own temporary tattoos,try them out, and purchase them within the museum itself.
Symbols worn on the skin for centuries are now becoming part of contemporary design.
PARTNERSHIPS AND INVESTMENTS
Interested in partnership, investment or institutional cooperation?
Contact us at the email address:
info@muzejsicanja.hr
