Muzejske priče

Symbols shaped from stone fragments

The only exhibit that spans two floors of the museum is the mosaic “Bosna.” Created by Mladen Srbinović in 1966, it serves as an introduction to the stories of the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina that will be told within the museum’s exhibits. This decorative and symbolic mosaic speaks of various stages of history that alternate: the skulls symbolize war, death, and Thanatos, while the flowers represent peace, life, and eros. The red line, or the red arabesque as the artist calls it, is the force that aids in eternal renewal and emerging from nothingness. It signifies recovery, flourishing, desire, and possibility. Elements of various sacred architectures are visible in the mosaic, reminding us of the ethnic diversity that has always intertwined in Bosnia.