website. lama.auth.gr
The Folklore Museum and Archive of the Faculty of Philosophy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki was established during the first years of the operation of the University of Thessaloniki, at the end of the 1920s, upon the proposal of the great folklorist Stilpon Kyriakidis, who was then holder of the Chair in “Religion of Ancient Greeks, their Private Life and Folklore.”
Although folklore studies in Greece focused on ancient times, as it is clearly indicated by the title of the Chair, it was decided that the establishment of the Museum and Archive should focus on research and teaching directly related to contemporary traditional culture. Kyriakidis aimed to create a core unit which would evolve later into a complete folklore museum, helping students and future researchers familiarize themselves with and study the traditional culture of North Greece. Assisted by a committee which consisted of intellectuals from Thessaloniki, as well as by students, Kyriakidis managed to collect art objects, objects of everyday use, utensils, farming tools, etc. Hence, the museum would provide students and researchers with the opportunity to examine the objects made and used by people in their everyday life. Furthermore, Kyriakidis’ objective was to display sets of similar objects, through which one could trace the development of traditional art forms and techniques. If this was achieved, the museum would meet the needs of relevant courses offered at the university.
web design – development. Yiota Vergo
directing. Athena Peglidou
photography. Christos Dimitriou
