Woodcarving in Macedonian folkore dates back to the 13th century.In the relatively small area of Macedonia there were many churches and monasteries of great wealth. They possessed frescoes, icons, carved wooden iconostases, Episcopal thrones, choirs, lamps, rare books and manuscripts, icon lamps, chalices and many relics. Many of them were destroyed, especially during the period of Ottoman rule. Many churches were looted and destroyed, some were converted into mosques and as a result of the poor political and economic conditions, a large number were neglected and left to deteriorate. During these difficult times, Macedonia was traversed by travel writers and men of education who knew of the large cultural treasure maintained in churches and monasteries and so they easily plundered them. Loads of rare books and manuscripts, old icons and objects were taken from Macedonia in order to enrich the libraries, museums and galleries throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

St. Clementh, woodcarved
icon of the Macedonian
saint Clementh.

Order: 320$