CREATIONS OF MARA THE BASKET WEAVER HAVE REACHED CHINA

ŠAMAC, MAY 10 /SRNA/ - Thirty-five-year-old Mara Pupčević from Tursinovac has spent years crafting wicker products; her creations can now be found across Europe, in America, and even in China, and her goal is to produce unique handbags and hats.

She made her first basket at the age of seven, and today she creates decorative items tailored to customers' wishes, including children's room décor, baskets, toys, tables, and chairs.

Pupčević told SRNA that basket weaving in the Posavina region will not disappear, as she has work from morning until night, and demand for her products is steadily increasing.

"Suitcases, doll strollers, and apple-shaped baskets are among the most requested items, but each piece is unique. I send my products across Europe, even to China," Mara said.

She has also purchased around 1.2 acres of land near her home, and from this year she plans to produce her own willow - cutting, boiling, peeling, and finally weaving it herself - since she previously had to buy the material to make decorative items.

She has found a way to express her creativity and earn an income by making unique basketry items, while also helping preserve the traditional craft from being forgotten.

She said that making a willow house was initially the most demanding product she worked on, taking her up to eight hours to complete.

"This is a very demanding craft; it’s difficult, but I love doing it," Pupčević said, adding that she is also satisfied with the income she earns from her work.

Basket weaving is a craft that has been preserved in the family of Mara Pupčević for three generations and passed down from generation to generation.

Mara was the youngest basket weaver in her area. She graduated from medical school and worked in Germany, but later returned to her hometown and continued the family tradition. She even started her own business.

Weaving willow branches is by no means easy work, but when done with love, Mara says, it brings a lot of joy and satisfaction.

"Basket weaving is a demanding craft. Producing the raw material requires a lot of work - first preparing the land, then planting, applying agricultural measures, hoeing, harvesting, and finally processing the material," Pupčević said and emphasized that it is most important for the land where willow is grown to be free of weeds.

She advised young people to set clear goals and said that only through work can they achieve their dreams.