Corridor: Via Egnatia, Sofia-Ohrid Road
Country: FYR of Macedonia, Ohrid
Type: Intangible Heritage
Epoch:
Theme: Intangible Heritage
World Heritage:

The filigree effect is reached by welding or weaving of silver, gold, copper or other metal thread. The thread can exist on its own (jewelry), or could be attached to another object or can represent a three-dimensional (hollow) object.
In addition to the principal raw material (metal thread), there are some chemical solutions used in the filigree process (glue for the thread, etc) as well as specialised tools (types of pincers, scissors, and other).The filigree technique and craft has appeared in the Region of Macedonia in the antiquity, as a civilisation follow-up from the Middle East and Asia Minor. Since those times, and through occasional vanishing and revivals, the filigree (as import and a local produce as well), can be traced until present days. The first written records on the first filigree craftsmen date back to the 17th century (1692) in Ohrid. The filigree craft in those days was taught within 15 years. The mastery of the craft was handed over within the family (from father to son). One of the oldest living craftsman with a documented family tradition of 250 years in the trade is Vangel Dereban of Ohrid.

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