The Balkans, its Diasporas, and the Stories of Material Culture

Today at UCLSSEES I explored the very #Balkan relationship with the broom, the rolling pin, and of course #Баба Рога / Baba Yaga / Jaga baba

This was not just a story about household objects or folklore characters, but about the deeper significance of material culture within Balkan communities, including those living in British diasporas. Objects we use every day, from kitchen tools and family photographs to religious and cultural artefacts — carry memories, histories, and personal stories. They help us understand who we are, where we come from, and how cultural identities are created and passed on.

Through a “show and tell” approach, we explored how ordinary objects can become powerful connections to our roots: a bridge between generations, between communities, and between cultures.

My folklore example took an uncomfortable turn when the story included domestic violence, but presented in a humorous way 🫣. Of course, violence is never acceptable, and we must be clear in condemning it. At the same time, folklore often reflects the societies in which these stories were created, including attitudes and behaviours that were once normalised or accepted but that we now rightly challenge.

And before the talk, I was walking down the corridor with a broom and a rolling pin, chasing my manager as part of my demonstration… while also thinking: “How many people here know me, and I have absolutely no idea who they are?” 🤣🤣🤣

Academic life at #UCL_SSEES: where a broom can be a household object, a magical symbol, a cultural artefact — and occasionally a research tool. 😂