Unlocking Hidden Heritage European Project

Slovakian Action - Experimental Archaeology - Shinglemaking - May 2008

Slovakia has the highest density of centuries-old wooden churches anywhere in Europe. Weathered, dark wooden shingles seem to ripple and flow, like snakeskin, over these organic-looking structures, mostly located in northeastern Slovakia. Roof shingles are a roof covering consisting of individual overlapping elements. Wooden roof shingles were lighweight, made with simple tools and easily installed. Traditionally, many houses in Slovakia were made using this method and this action emphasizes the significance of reconstructing Slovakian material culture.

The action will involve three days working in the Hervartov workshop and a further four days spent fixing of shingles on the roofs at the Open Air Museums in Bardejov Health Spa and Svidnik. To coincide with this, participants will also go to the 'Archaeopark' fair where there will be a reconstruction of an old Slavic settlement during the 8th–9th century, featuring craftsmen – pottery men, basket makers, woodcarvers, spinners, weavers, etc. There will also be a cultural programme featuring old traditional fighting techniques from the Early Middle Ages.

Shinglemaking in Bardejov, Slovakia

Programme of the UHH workshop in Slovakia


13th May - arrival day


14th May - How to recognise a tree suitable for shingle making? A short trip to a forest to see the trees suitable for shingle making and explanation why. Visit of Hervartov wooden church and the workshop, where we will work for two days.


15th May - Practical lessons of wooden shingles making in a real workshop. Splitting of logs and cutting shingles by two hands knives.
16th May - As above


17th May - Bardejov town, Museum of Icons, St.Egidius Church and the Main Square (into the list of the UNESCO World Heritage.)


18th May - The Market Day in an Old Slavonic village (old crafts, old traditional Slavic meals, traditional fencing group …)


19th May - practical lessons, how to fix wooden shingles on a roof in Bardejov Health Spa
20th May - As above


21st May - practical lessons, how to fix wooden shingles on a roof in Svidnik Open Air Museum
22nd May - As above
23rd May - As above


24th May - guided visit of the Open Air Museum in Svidnik with more than 20 about 100-years-old thatched wooden buildings (wooden shingles and straw). Visit of the Death Valley, where 90,000 people died in the battle in the end of the WW II.


25th May - we will participate the presentation of a very special celebration (small festival) in Kosice, where Stropkov folk dance ensemble will participate; the folk celebration and folk craftsmen will present their products including presentation of the crafts. It starts (usually at 9.30) by a
procession of folk ensembles along the Main Street (pedestrian zone) of Kosice. Later, they have performances on a wider part of the main street. Kiosks of craftsmen, refreshment, etc. Kosice is the second the biggest town in Slovakia (more than a quarter of million inhabitants).
Leaving day as well.