#babajaga

In Croatian folklore and Slavic folklore in general, there are a lot of witches, sorceress’ and other magical feminine figures. 

The most famous Slavic with is Baba Yaga (Granny Jaga), an old hag that lives in a cottage that stands on chicken legs (sometimes described as being surrounded by a spikey fence with skulls on it). In some stories she eats people, mostly children, which led to parents telling their children stories about her and scaring them so they would behave. Baba Jaga is often called Baba Roga, but sometimes Baba Roga is considered a seperate witch.

There a lot of names and origin stories for witches. In Istria (a part of coastal Croatia next to the Mediterrenian sea) a which is called ŠTRIGA. It’s described as an old granny that practises dark magic or just naturally is very powerful. They are also described as beautiful sometimes, taking that shape in order to lure in men. They can shapeshift into animals, so it’s said that if you ever see a white dog and a black dog fighting on a crossroad to leave. That’s štriga (black dog) fighting a KRSNIK (white dog, vampire/supernatural hunter born with a white placenta).Sometimes the name štriga is another word used for STRIGOI (a vampire).

Baba Yaga’s cottage

Baba Yaga

Štriga

My autumn Baba Yaga's hut is ready! 🦇🎃🧙‍♀️

Entirely sewn and embroidered by hand, it even has a hen's leg on which it travels! The perfect decoration for the upcoming fall! 🍂🍁 The height with the leg is 43 cm!

If anyone is interested in buying please let me know through the private note!

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INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/tworyimroki/

TUMBLR: tworyimroki.tumblr.com

OH HEY TUMBLR. 

Man it has been a while. But I’m excited for the @monthoffearart party that’s about to begin, so I’m back. 

Here’s a drawing I did recently! Last month I read “Uprooted” by Naomi Novik and loved it (I actually read it twice in a week, it was great). This drawing is of the main character, Agnieszka. I really loved and identified with her story and character. And, y’know me, I’m a sucker for a Baba Yaga tale.