FOLKLORIC CERAMIC BIBELOTS

Abstract

The clothing and dressing culture, a deeply rooted element of Anatolian heritage, exhibits a remarkable richness across its seven geographical regions, provinces, districts, and even villages. This cultural wealth is shaped by local life, beliefs, and traditions, yet it is subject to change over time due to evolving traditions and fashion. Many traditional clothing customs have disappeared or are on the verge of vanishing, with knowledge of these practices often preserved only through records. This article explores the near-lost Anatolian folkloric clothing culture through ceramic bibelots.

Analyzing the history of ceramic art in Anatolia reveals that the earliest figured objects were Mother Goddess figurines, followed by grave gifts, toys, and bibelots in subsequent periods. This study examines ceramic bibelots from the 12^th century onwards, focusing on those depicting Anatolian folkloric clothing. Figurines from Ankara, Ardahan, Bursa, Çanakkale, Tokat, and Yozgat, representing four geographical regions in Turkey, were selected, with a particular emphasis on women’s folkloric attire. The study aims to highlight the vanishing traditional culture, promote it to future generations through various art forms, and assess the current state of figurine production in Turkey.

It was found that the first Anatolia-specific figurines, produced by European factories, were made of high-quality porcelain with fine craftsmanship, depicting Ottoman Period clothing and palace inhabitants. Anatolian examples, dating from the 12^th century, were mainly earthenware ceramics showcasing the traditional elements of their time. Contemporary bibelot figures from the six selected provinces display distinctive clothing features and intricate craftsmanship, particularly in fabric details and accessories. These observations underline the importance of preserving and studying traditional Anatolian clothing culture through artistic mediums like ceramic figurines.