From One Icon as a Gift to a Vast Collection of Carved Works

When it comes to tourism stories from people who do small things with great significance for the development of tourism, the team at Kajak.mk has decided to dedicate the month of March to the women heroines who are creating in Macedonia. Mina, together with her husband Marjan, can boast a wide range of handcrafted works. What they practice in the 21st century is wood carving. Mina says that before she began carving, her husband constantly dreamed that one day he would work in this profession.

The day they were supposed to gift an icon to the St. Spas Monastery in Kavadarci, they were limited by finances and decided to carve the icon out of wood. Later, the same priest asked them to make a wooden cross for the 'Vodici' ceremony.

These two gestures led them to fully dedicate themselves to wood carving, and in a short period, they gifted many wood-carved icons. What is interesting is the fact that Marjan had experience only as a carpenter, but with faith in themselves and a talent for carving, they succeeded in creating souvenirs and wooden products.

Mina says that wood carving has allowed them to feel fulfilled with love and happiness, which they wish to share and give to everyone around them. They have been perfecting this craft since the early 90s and continue to this day, incorporating Macedonian motifs into their carvings.

Marjan comes from the Mijak region, where some of the best woodcarvers and fresco painters in Macedonia have originated. Their fathers were top-notch carpenters, so it can be said that woodworking is a family tradition.

We asked them which projects they are most proud of from their work so far.

Mina responded that their handcrafted works and creations can be found in many churches and monasteries. For example: the iconostasis in St. Petka in Mlado Nagoricane, St. Trinity in the village of Skachkovce, St. Dimitrija in Sushevo, and St. John Strumichko.

In addition to religious buildings, their works can also be found in many hospitality establishments and wineries, such as: Tikvesh, Popova Kula, Chateau Sopot, Disan Venec, Peshkovi Winery, and others.

As their most significant project, they highlight the creation of the royal doors and the portal in the St. George Church in Lazaropole. The old designs had been stolen, and they had to create new ones—identical to the old ones (restoration). Fortunately, before they were stolen, their daughter had taken a photograph with them, and from that photo, they were able to recreate identical pieces.

In 2019, the 'Zingiber' carving workshop opened its doors to tourists. They promote an innovative business that primarily serves to preserve culture and gastronomy.

The goal of 'Zingiber' is to introduce visitors to the tradition of Macedonian wood carving in a special and unique way. The project is led by the 30 years of experience of Marjan Milev, along with Mina Mileva. Tourists visit the atelier, where there is an exhibition of carvings. Here, they have the opportunity to hear the story of the beginnings, see unique works, and personally experience and try wood carving, all while enjoying traditional Macedonian specialties made from organic and locally produced ingredients. Tourists are generally fascinated and impressed by the authenticity of what is offered to them. For them, this is something new and unique.