Slovak Epic

Slovak Epic

Introduction   The “Slovak Epic” – in a small village in Slovakia called Rajecka Lesna, there once lived an elderly man named Jozef Pekora. More than 25 years ago, he started carving a small piece themed “The Birth of the Christ Child” from local timber. At the time, even he had no idea that this little project would eventually evolve into such a massive, fascinating, and exquisitely crafted masterpiece. Starting with “The Birth of the Christ Child” in 1980, he continued to carve on this foundation, and by 1995, he had completed an enormous work spanning dozens of meters in width and over two meters in height. On the wooden carving, one can see the continuous stretch of the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube River – yet the mountains, rivers, and forests serve only as a backdrop. All of Slovakia’s iconic landmarks—the grand cathedrals, palaces, and bridges—are merely part of the background. In front of this backdrop, the full scope of life and labor across Slovakia, from west to east and south to north, is vividly portrayed. Mechanisms intricately arranged behind the scenes make the figures move about day and night, going in and out, brewing beer, chopping wood, hunting wild animals, shoeing horses, spinning yarn, holding weddings and funerals, eating, raising children, picking fruit, and so much more. Highlights   Wooden carving artwork

■ Bratislava, Slovakia