Development of a logographic writing system that delves into the cultural, visual, and conceptual realms of Sicanje tribe during the  León Romero workshop at Elisava. The system explores how to convey the meaning of 10 concepts ( Awareness, Belonging, Creativity, Culture, Emotion, Human Purpose, Identity, Memory, Social Interaction, and Wisdom ) into the basic forms of sicanje tattoos, for example: the “kolo” ( the circle, representing traditional dances ), the “jelica” ( the pine tree, representing the connection between earth and sky ), and various cross motifs based on “bereginyas” ( energies/archetypes ) representing transformation, protection, or inner perception. These motifs serve as the foundation to materialize the concepts worked, subsequently distorting the dotted lines of original handpoke ➀ tattoos through organic floral shapes combined with more strident and expansive forms.
➀ The Croatian ceremony of tattooing “sicanje” means, in English, to prick or handpoke.

( References )




«This tradition originates from the places once occupied by the Turks and its purpose was to prevent young, Catholic women being kidnapped and converted to Islam. Tattooing symbols on the hand however dates even further back than that period. The custom was mostly revived during the reign and fear of the Ottoman Empire, when Christian symbols were used for protection. 

»Traditional symbols included crosses, sometimes tattooed around the women’s wrist so that they looked like bracelets. The cross also has its variations in the form of a small pine tree. The kolo ( circle ), a motif taken from the kolo dancing in the villages, were also tattooed, which symbolised togetherness. 

»The traditional ceremony of tattooing was called “sicanje“ or “bocanje“ and was usually done by older women using a needle and a mixture of charcoal or gunpowder and honey or milk» ( Mélissa Pizović for Croatia Week )