Ivan Mudrak, a student at Vasyl Shkriblyak Vizhnytsia College of Arts and Design, is on a mission to preserve the cultural heritage of Bukovyna. Together with his partner, he travels to remote villages to document disappearing treasures of the past. One of these treasures is the traditional wells found in each village, each with its own unique style.
Preserving Traditions through the Babyn Buchok Project
Mudrak’s initiative, the Babyn Buchok project, aims to preserve the unique traditions and identity of Bukovyna. Through their travels, Mudrak and his partner study the architecture, traditions, and lives of the people in these villages. Their research is focused on the decoration of sacred and authentic architecture, including the wells that are the lifeblood of every village street.
Well-Decorated Wells Reflect Local Style and Heritage
According to Mudrak, the decoration of the wells reflects the local style and heritage of each village. The wells are often painted in colors such as red, blue, and yellow and decorated with traditional symbols such as birds, flowers, and cattle. They are also adorned with floral and geometric patterns as well as sacred symbols using the technique of through-cutting. The wooden roofs are decorated with geometric notches, and the sides are crowned with crosses or plant-like shapes. In some villages, tin roofs are now popular, decorated with metal birds, crowns with flowers, animals, and crosses. In Storozhynets and Hlybochyna, the border villages, crane wells have been preserved to this day.
Bread and Water: An Attribute of Casual Hospitality
Traditionally, the wells in Bukovyna were built behind a fence with access to the road, hanging a mug or cup for travelers. This is an attribute of casual hospitality, as there is a belief that it is a sin not to share bread and water with your neighbor. The locals treat the wells with special respect, which is evident in their well-maintained and decorated appearance.
By studying and documenting the unique architecture, traditions, and people of these remote villages, Ivan Mudrak is helping to ensure that their heritage and identity are not lost to the sands of time.
