002.416.Idrija

Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija

Public

Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija

510:IDR;EZ-429

Mine, Daily life

The medium-sized, brown chest is of simple construction. It has a square shape and has no ornamental additions. It is closed with a cover which is on two strong hinges and has a forged lock. A smaller transverse drawer with a cover is added on the left side of the chest’s interior.

Length 122 cm, width 56 cm, height 46 cm.

Wood, metal.

The time of creation is unknown.

Manufacturer information is not known.

The described chest was used for different purposes. It originally served for storing various clothing items, underwear and bedding. It could also be used for storing books, dishes or food. During the day, the chest was also used for sitting on, since it often replaced the bench near the bread oven, which Idrija houses did not have. At night, the chest was used as a bed for one of the children. The chests were not decorated. Most of them were made from cherry wood. Wealthier people had chests made of hard (oak) wood, the poor had chests from soft wood. Idrija brides had a modest trousseau on their wedding. A chest could also be a part of it. They also got a hallway wardrobe with shelves and drawers for food. Those brides who were making lace could buy a richer trousseau with their earnings, including a wedding dress decorated with lace.

The chest is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the ethnological collection of Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum display exhibition in the Idrija Miner's House. It can also be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions. The items displayed in the Idrija Miner’s House take the visitors to the lives and residential code of mining families in Idrija in housing from the first half of the 20th century.

Idrija.

The Idrija Miner's House, Bazovniška 4 (“hiša” – house).

A conservation procedure was performed on the object for the needs of the museum exhibition. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is taken care of.

good

Regular seasonal maintenance.

- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum.

Mestni muzej Idrija

Miha Kosmač

17. 3. 2018

Never