During July and August, as part of the "Mythologization of Trypillia" project, a unique 15-day educational program took place, dedicated to mastering traditional Ukrainian applied arts and crafts techniques. Participants immersed themselves in weaving, embroidery, and ceramics while exploring the deep meanings of Trypillian culture symbols. Trypillia, as a foundation of Ukrainian cultural identity, became a source of inspiration for modern works reflecting the depth of our roots, symbolism, sacredness, and beauty.
For the entire learning period, participants lived on-site, exchanging ideas, gaining new knowledge, and enjoying a uniquely creative atmosphere. The organizers ensured comfortable accommodation, meals, and all necessary materials so that participants could fully engage in the learning and creative process. A special feature of the program was keeping personal diaries, where each participant documented their daily progress, achievements, impressions, and photos—capturing every stage of learning and creativity.
The educational studios became a bridge between the past and the present, preserving the heritage of ancestors while adapting it to modern times.
Natalia Vasiukova, weaving studio participant:
"Reinterpreting Trypillian culture has truly taken place. The knowledge and experience gained are invaluable. I can confidently say that weaving has captivated me forever! Trypillia has taken a place in my heart. I realized that for centuries, our ancestors used art to interpret the world around them. Natural elements and phenomena were depicted in a special way, evolving into a unique system of symbols over time. This system continues to be used in folk traditions and has become the foundation of Ukrainian traditional art. These symbols are passed down through generations, often intuitively, without full awareness of their meaning."
Sofia Belenchuk, embroidery studio participant:
"I have gained a much deeper understanding of Trypillian culture, which has brought me a sense of inner peace. Their knowledge, labor, and faith can still be traced in what has been passed down to us."Iryna Krasylnikova, embroidery studio participant:
"Traditional Ukrainian embroidery is crucial in shaping and developing women's values. It helps cultivate creative and artistic thinking, which is valuable in any field."Natalia Honcharova, ceramics studio participant:
"For me, studying the intricate Trypillian ornaments and working with clay and natural dyes was a way to connect with the past. As I worked on the project, I naturally wanted to learn more about Trypillia—our shared history. Reinterpreting Trypillian culture is a vital step in discovering our identity. Trypillian ornaments convey movement and dynamics. When you trace the lines of these ancient patterns, you feel their energetic rhythm, and even your body responds with a desire to move."
Training Areas: Weaving, Embroidery, Ceramics
Weaving
Weaving techniques were taught in the educational studios in the picturesque village of Busha, Vinnytsia region, at the Museum of Weaving. Participants had a unique opportunity to master the full cycle of fabric production, from preparing materials to finishing the finished product. This process was not only creative, but also informative, as the craftsmen Iryna and Svitlana Sobko generously shared their knowledge, revealing the depths of the traditional craft and telling about the connection between weaving and Trypillia culture. Among the participants were both beginners who picked up yarn for the first time and those who already had experience in weaving. However, everyone was able to discover something new, gaining valuable knowledge, which was confirmed in the personal diaries that the participants kept every day. The learning process was carefully organized to immerse the participants in a creative atmosphere. The Busha Weaving Museum became a place where traditions came to life thanks to the diligence of the craftswomen and the enthusiasm of the participants.
Dates:
The training took place in two periods:
- July 18–23
- August 8–15
Key skills learned:
The training program covered various aspects of weaving, including
- what materials and auxiliary tools are needed for the work;
- how to perform the basic technique of “canvas”;
- how to choose color harmonies that would be close to the Trypillia theme;
- how to refuel the loom for work;
- What types of tassels are there and how to make them;
- what types of finishing elements can be used in the work;
- how to remove the canvas from the loom.
Participants
The educational studio on weaving was attended by:
1) Natalia Derlytsia
2) Natalia Reznikova
3) Ksenia Kluban
4) Diunova Olga
5) Natalia Lutsenko
6) Bolgarska Alla
7) Korotkikh Yulia
8) Sevastianova Nina
9) Poplavska Victoria
10) Natalia Vasiukova
Photos of some of the works:
Embroidery
The embroidery training took place in the village of Klembivka, a place that is a real gem of the Ukrainian embroidery tradition. The location was chosen for a reason: this village is known throughout the country and even abroad for its unique techniques, and its women are said to be “born with a needle in their hands.”
Craftswomen Maria Zarichna, Larysa Zhyhulska, Halyna Hadzhuk, and Halyna Chorna hospitably opened their homes to the studio participants. They not only shared the secrets of embroidery art, but also created a cozy atmosphere, fed their students and generously passed on their years of wisdom. There was a real immersion in the world of traditional hand embroidery, where every stitch was filled with history and meaning. The participants, regardless of their previous experience, mastered the ancient techniques, inheriting the invaluable heritage of the masters, and found inspiration for their own creativity in the ancient history of the village.
In the process of embroidery, a woman harmonizes, is filled with positive emotions, receives artistic and aesthetic pleasure, and has a moral rest, disconnecting from everyday issues.”
Dates:
The training took place in two periods:
- July 18–24
- August 8–14
Key skills learned:
The training program covered various aspects of embroidery, including:
We mastered a lot of knowledge:
- Klembyivka embroidery techniques
- "Nyzh" (a traditional stitching technique)
- "Poverkhnytsia" and "Kuriachyi Brid" stitches
- "Kachalochka" and "Vyryzuvannia" embroidery techniques
- "Vykoliuvannia" (perforated embroidery)
- Understanding color schemes in embroidery
Participants
The educational studio on weaving was attended by:
1) Sofia Belenchuk
2) Bohdana Korovaieva
3) Iryna Krasylnikova
4) Svitlana Omelianchuk
5) Fomenko Halyna
6) Gladchenko Victoria
7) Myrnychenko Eva
8) Svitlana Ovsiukhno
9) Babli Liudmyla
10) Kostiuk Olena
Photos of some of the works:
Ceramics
The ceramics classes took place in the Potocki Palace, where the Tulchyn Professional College of Culture operates. This unique space has become an ideal place to immerse yourself in the traditions of arts and crafts.
Experienced teachers, true experts in their field, generously shared their knowledge: Natalia Lavreniuk, Roman Hrymaliuk, Vasyl Ryzhyi and Maria Chernysh. Their many years of practice in training art masters made the training exciting and accessible to all participants, regardless of their previous experience.
Although there were both beginners and those who already had a certain amount of knowledge, no one had ever experienced such an environment inspired by the Trypillia style and modern approaches before. This made the training not only informative but also extremely interesting for everyone. Participants discovered new horizons in their creativity, mastering an ancient craft in the context of modernity.
Dates:
The training took place in two periods:
- July 22–26
- August 8–12
Key skills learned:
The curriculum covered various aspects of ceramics, including:
- Working with clay
- Three molding techniques: constructive, plastic, and combined
- Painting techniques for clay surfaces
- "Fliandruvannia" (a traditional decorative technique)
- Preparing ceramic pieces for firing
- Kiln loading and firing process
- Understanding Trypillian ceramic traditions
Participants
The educational studio on weaving was attended by:
1) Yashyshena Tetiana
2) Ostapenko Olha
3) Natalia Honcharova
4) Ihnatova Kristina
5) Poplinskyi Oleksandr
6) Drach Angela
7) Petrova Julia
8) Muzyka Denys
9) Bulgarska Alla
10) Kizian Ioanna
11) Mostavliuk Tetiana
Photos of some of the works:
Traditional crafts that have been developed over centuries are often on the verge of extinction today. The reason for this is the insufficient transfer of unique knowledge and techniques from masters to the next generations. Most of these technologies are not documented in books or on the Internet, because they have been passed down orally for centuries - from parents to children, constantly adapting to changes in time and preferences.
These centuries-old traditions are an integral part of our cultural heritage, and we have a duty to preserve them. The combination of a modern approach, practicality, aesthetics, and deep respect for the past - right down to the symbols of Trypillia culture - shapes our vision of reviving and developing folk crafts.
An important step was to provide the craftsmen who took part in the educational studios with the opportunity to monetize their knowledge. They were offered to sell their products through the marketplace of the Tse Kraft charitable foundation. This initiative not only popularizes traditional art, but also creates new jobs and stimulates the development of the economy of small communities. This gives crafts a chance for a new life and communities an opportunity to grow and strengthen.
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The “Makers Innovation Award” is organized by @betterplacelab and Future Challenges in the framework of #TOLOCAR, a project funded by the German Government @bmz_bund and implemented by GIZ with the support of At Stake gGmbH in close collaboration with Ukrainian and international partners.
