Kurpie

      The Kurpie people is the name of a population group living in north-east Poland. They make up an integral part of Mazovia, the largest Polish region which capital is Warsaw. The Kurpie people live in the Green Forest in the North of the Narew river (first inhabitants settled there in 16th century) as well as the White Forest where the rivers Bug and Narew fork (the settlement of this area began in the 12th century). The Kurpie people are one of the most interesting ethnographical groups in Poland. 

     Their unique culture has been created ages ago, by people running away in inaccessible, boggy, densely afforested terrains, before the long arm of the law. The name of the Kurpie people origins from plaited footwear made of bast material. Among the Kurpie people like ages ago, also today the feeling of dignity, freedom as well as exceptional art what they create are their distinctive features that are handed down in families for generations. 

     Numerous artists continue such fields of works as paper cut-outs, ritual plastic, amber-work, wicker-work, sculpture, the craft of pottery and weaving. There are folk ensembles, children's ones too, in many localities executing traditional dances and songs. For their creative achievements artists from Kurpie region have received the highest awards. 

     They represented Poland during a lot of international meeting many times. The Kurpie people are also hosts of events known throughout Poland, among others: Honey harvest and the Kurpie Wedding. The beautiful songs and impulsive dances, paper cut-outs, being the sensation in world’s scale, Easter's palms, regional costume, which the amber necklaces make up decoration, there are only few aspects of beautiful, rich and alive culture of the Kurpie people. The Kurpie Wedding performed by the „Kurpianka” ensemble has been appeared on many stages throughout Europe. 

     The nimble hands of folk artists with sheep shears are able to conjure from paper „leluje”, stars and its level of realisation amaze the most fussy experts of art. The Green and White Forest of the Kurpie region is a beautiful one, bewitching by splendid nature, clean air, humming forests and farmers' hospitality.