Information AboutKlopotec |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT KLOPOTEC | |
| ethnology | |
| folk instruments | |
| slovenian music | |
| viticulture | |
|
The device has many names. In Slovenian it is called klopotec and in some dialetcs ''klapoc''. Both words derive from '''klopotati''', that is to produce cut off, rhythmic sounds. In English it could be called a '''bird-scaring rattle''' or a '''wind-rattle'''. In German it is called '''Windradl''' or '''Windmühle'''; ever increasing is the use of the word '''Klapotetz''' and also '''Klapotez'''. The rattle has an axis with a Sail or vane that turns in the Wind , therefore the axis rotates. Special little wooden Hammer s turn with the axis. As they knock on a Wooden Board , they produce Rhythm ic sounds. While the quality of the sound is dependent on the wood that the rattle is made of, the speed of production of these sounds is dependent on the number of hammers, as well as changes in wind speed. The device is constructed to swivel so it is always positioned perpendicular to the wind with its long axis. The device is used primarily to scare Starling s and other birds off the Vineyard s so that they do not peck Grape s, but also as a Folk Instrument . A Folk Belief also states that the klopotec drives Snake s from the vineyard and softens the grapes. HISTORY Although a local historian from Maribor claims that the device appeared in Haloze and in Zagorje already in the 16th Century , nothing particular is known about its origin. An educated guess has been made that it developed during the period of the Enlightenment . According to the most plausible theory held by the majority of Ethnologists , including the German ethnologist Leopold Kretzenbacher , the bird-scaring rattle is of Slovenia n origin. Another theory claims that it was first used in the 18th Century in the fields by the French . The first written mention of the device can be found in the Kretzenbacher's book ''Windradl und Klapotetz'', published in 1797 . The oldest representations are dated in the first half of the 19th Century . The Austrian Archduke John ( 1782 - 1859 ), the youngest brother of the Habsburg Emperor Francis I Of Austria had it in his vineyard in 1836 . TRADITION The bird-scaring rattle is most frequently heard in Eastern Slovenia: , Maribor ). Traditionally such rattles have been set up on 25 July (Feast of Saint James ) or on 15 August ( Assumption Day ), but also on any day in between. They have usually been taken down after the vintage till 1st November ( All Saints Day ), but no later than on 11 November ( The Feast Of Saint Martin ). If a husbandman forgets to take it down, the youth from the village can steal it and leave a message about the ransom that he must pay to get it back. CONSTRUCTION The Bird-scaring rattle consists of different parts, each of which should optimally be made of a specific wood to produce a fine melody. The wood of hammers and of the board is especially important, as only the right combination enables that the device produces the Ultrasound that scaries the birds away. The parts are:
Some rattles can be ornamented with small Figurine s carved out. The traditional bird-scarring rattles made solely from wood are becoming more and more rare, as they are getting replaced by metal devices. TRIVIA The ) awards a prize called ''Zlati klopotec'' for the best popular song in the standard Slovenian language. SEE ALSO
EXTERNAL LINKS
Images |
|
|