1. SCULPTURE 'LOGER NEREZINAC'

This stylized sculpture, 'LOGER NEREZINAC,' inspired by the renowned ship of the same name, encapsulates a fragment of the rich maritime heritage of the island of Lošinj. Meticulously handcrafted from olive wood sourced from the island of Lošinj and lovingly coated with pure olive oil.

2. OLIVE WOOD SMALL SPOON

Ever since the legend tells us that the goddess of wisdom, Athena, struck a rock with her spear and created the olive tree, this magnificent tree has spread across the entire Mediterranean and then to all corners of the world with climates akin to the Mediterranean. The practical utility of our olive wood spoon extends to various uses, from scooping sugar, salt, to honey, and more.

3. LADLE

The olive has always held an unusually significant place for the peoples residing here - almost sacred. The olive tree stood as a symbol of strength, fertility, and steadfastness, its branches adorning celebrants and victors. A ladle crafted from olive wood could grace a room, infusing it with warmth and comfort at a gentle touch. It can be used to scoop water, extract oil from a clamshell, and more.

4. SOAP HOLDER - FISH

As one of the oldest and most significant plant cultures, the olive has profoundly influenced the lives of the islanders. The hard and sturdy wood of the olive tree was used to craft handles for tools, furniture, and various household items. Sonja Gulam, for instance, created a soap holder in the shape of a fish, coated with olive oil. In Christianity, the olive is a symbol of God's providence and care for His children, while the fish symbolizes Christ and baptism.

The souvenir is meticulously handcrafted, with each soap holder being unique in terms of size, thickness, and age of the wood, and coated solely with olive oil. The process involves the use of an axe, chisel, sandpaper, and broken glass for smoothing.

5. JEWELRY

On the sailboats of Lošinj, tableware made of abundant olive wood was utilized. Bowls, salt cellars, pitchers, and wine barrels crafted from olive trunks proved to be the finest guardians of food and drink during long and tumultuous voyages due to their exceptional resistance to decay. Following a tradition passed down from generation to generation, Lošinj captains commissioned amulets and pendants made of olive wood from local carpenters to protect them during perilous voyages. They had the likeness of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, or another saint protecting their family engraved on them. For their wives, they would commission and gift bracelets with saints and bowls and trays for serving lemons and oranges. The uniqueness of the utility items made of olive wood lies in their individuality—no two pieces are alike.

 

Olive wood, as a symbol of the land, preserves the original taste of food and the freshness of herbs. Its rounded, elegant lines and patterns remind one of the curves of a woman, symbolizing the nurturing mother. Objects crafted from olive root were especially valued for their exceptional strength and clean lines. The knotted features of olive wood are retained through meticulous manual work, and coating with olive oil brings out the shine and richness of the wood.