Kolbuszowa Local Custom Tips by Pawtuxet

Wood carved figures and toys

The Poles have a long history of carving figures and toys out of wood. There was a wonderful collection from (I would guess) a popular toy maker which was exhibited in one of the buildings in the Skansen village. The figures and toys made for tourists today are not of my liking...not quite the same personal touch..... but it is possible to find carvers and true "naive art" if you search for it.

ROADSIDE SHRINES

I think this is one of the purest versions of folk art in Poland. These shrines are placed in locations where the country people can stop to pray if they can't get to the local church. Sometimes the shrine commemorates a person's death from a car accident. However, the true older version is the farmer taking time during his hard work day to stop and worship. The devotion of these people is overwhelming.
We pass this shrine on a tree trunk as we enter the Skansen Village along a little walking path. P.S. When I returned to Poland 2 yrs. after taking this photo, Gosia searched the internet and found a pic of this shrine..and it said it was donated in memory of Josef Rzasa!!! My family name. May have been a relative. Can you imagine such a coincidance? Each of my trips have been filled with destiny.

Very peaceful creatures..

The farm country of Poland is so peaceful, unadorned, pure. It's as if time stood still here. There is no hustle and bustle...life proceeds in a quiet steady pace. I found the farmlands very restful. I'd like to spend more time around these hard working people.