FUTURE IS NOT SET IN STONE.
IT’S CARVED IN WOOD.

One of Bosnia and Herzegovina's most beautiful mountain towns, Konjic, is known worldwide for its centuries-old woodcarving traditions and breathtaking scenery.

The history of Konjic goes back more than 4,000 years, and Konjic is a unique example of one of Bosnia and Herzegovina's first permanent communities.

As a natural resource, wood is one of a kind. Traditional woodcarving is passed down from generation to generation through family-run workshops, which are also instrumental in introducing it to a wider audience.

Where Everything Began

The beginning of the history of Konjic woodcarving can be traced back to the arrival of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy. Many Konjic residents participated in this initiative, which focused on the affirmation and institutionalization of schools.
Around 30 percent of the population of Neretva is estimated to have worked in this trade during that time period. It was done by everyone, including women and children—all residents of the town and the surrounding villages.
It still seems like a phenomenon that some of the Konjic woodcarvings exist today. It's safe to say that the "Konjic woodcarving" tradition, a product of the craftsmen of Konjic's inventive spirit, will live on in our collective memory as an important source of decorative chisel-made art. This sort of handicraft art requires a steady hand, a great deal of patience, and a deep affection and commitment to the physical labor involved.

The Two Woodcarving Families

Ilija Arapovic, a woodcarver from Konjic, displayed his chests and elaborate chairs in the Millennium exhibition held in Budapest in 1896. From that time until today, the town of Konjic has been recognized worldwide for its expertise in this age-old handicraft technique.
The Mulić and Nikšić families have a long history of excellence in the woodworking industry, and their workshops are among the most renowned in the world. Woodcarving began in 1919 when the Nikšić family opened a shop. Even then, its furniture was being shipped to Paris and Milan for use in upscale residences. One more decade would pass before the Mulić family opened a shop in 1929.
Today, they make woodwork primarily for custom orders. Their previous home was converted into a woodcarving museum, and it is now a part of Bosnia and Herzegovina's moveable cultural heritage. Also, the Mulić workshop has a stellar reputation.

The Craftworks

The art of Konjic woodcarving is one of the most traditional crafts that is still going strong and thriving today. The hand-carved wooden craftworks include hand-carved wooden furniture and other aspects of interior design and ornamental elements. The transmission of this artistic skill has been handed down from one generation to the next since the nineteenth century, but the tradition stretches back far further in time.
Peskuni, or backless stools with hexagonal bases, tables created in the same design, sofas, and couches with intricately carved backs, bookcases, and displays, are beautiful examples of furniture in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond. Incredibly, the carving method has remained unchanged over the years. Many residents of the small village of Konjic are often involved in woodcarving as a hobby.

Mixing Old-World craftsmanship With a Cutting-Edge Visual Style

The craft of woodcarving may be an old one. Still, the artisans from Konjic have found a way to successfully combine traditional methods with contemporary design, taking the art to a whole new level. Since a couple of years ago, the demand for this craftsmanship, part of Bosnia's intangible cultural heritage, has skyrocketed, and products made using it have been shipped to every continent. As a result of this endeavor, the tradition of Konjic woodcarving will continue to flourish and endure.