Embroidery has deep roots in Ukrainian culture, where for centuries it has served as a bearer of identity. It is not merely a decorative element, but above all a complex system of symbols representing protection, life, journey, and rebirth. It appeared on shirts, ceremonial towels, and household textiles, accompanying people through the most significant moments of transition.
The history of Ukrainian embroidery is also a story of resistance. In the face of violence and repression, it became a tool for preserving dignity. This is evidenced by the stories of women imprisoned in Soviet labour camps, who, defying prohibitions, embroidered using fish bones instead of needles, and threads taken from their own clothing. In this context, embroidery became a form of cultural resistance and psychological self-help – a quiet yet unyielding sign of perseverance.
During workshops with the artist Magdalena Ciemierkiewicz, participants created a shared, performative embroidery. Drawing inspiration from traditional motifs of the Polish-Ukrainian borderlands, they posed the question of what might serve as an amulet today. Can the act of collective embroidery weave together dispersed stories and relationships? The textile on display records this process – each stitch carries a personal intention, a notion of protection, care, or the desire to preserve memory.
In this room, one can create a personal amulet inspired by ancient motifs. It is an opportunity to reflect on what today calls for our particular protection: home, language, close relationships, or a sense of community.
Activities:
- Design your amulet. Reflect on what brings you strength and a feeling of safety. What kind of symbol would you choose to safeguard yourself or someone close? Create an amulet imbued with personal meaning.
- Add your symbol to the fabric created during the workshop. You can find the embroidery kit for adults on the shelf next to it.
