Ella Bratić - Bihacit

Bihacit

Bihacit is an exceptionally strong, grainy, and porous limestone, formed in the freshwater Tertiary basin of the city of Bihać and its surrounding areas. This makes it highly suitable for processing. The earliest known use of bihacit dates back to the 3rd century AD during the Japod culture, when the Japods used it to craft urns. The most fascinating characteristic of bihacit is its ability to become harder and more resistant with age. When freshly extracted from the quarry, it is easily shaped using hand tools designed for wood. However, once the stone has developed its carbon lattice (patina), it becomes so hardened that the same tools may break upon impact. Through this patination process, bihacit acquires properties similar to marble.Over time, bihacit changes color from light yellow to gray, with the gray surface forming only on the outer layers exposed to varying climatic conditions. Skilled craftsmen can identify high-quality blocks by sound, aiming for a tone resembling the effect of striking bronze. Due to its exceptional resistance to external influences, bihacit has been widely used in architecture throughout history. The name “bihacit” was coined during the Austro-Hungarian period and derives from the city of Bihać, where the stone’s deposits are found.

Bihacit is a sedimentary rock with a microcrystalline structure composed of ooids—tiny granules made up of various minerals such as quartz, clay minerals, and iron oxides. Its porous surface gives it an exceptional ability to absorb water. Unlike many other types of limestone, bihacit has high resistance to freezing, making it durable against cracking even in extremely low temperatures. With the rise of new synthetic materials as cheaper industrial alternatives, natural materials like bihacit are slowly being replaced. As a result, the tradition and cultural value of this stone are gradually fading, partly due to the lack of awareness surrounding Bihać’s geological wealth.

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, commonly used as a dietary supplement. Due to its intense pigment, it has the ability to turn any mixture green when combined with liquids or other substances. For this reason, I used spirulina powder to color the surface of the stone, as well as other modules when necessary.

This element is crafted from bihacit stone, carved directly from my sketch. The initial idea behind the design was to create a small oasis within the bathroom by introducing this piece. The product is shaped to hold two toothbrushes and toothpaste, while the top features live moss. Moss is a unique plant that lacks roots and breathes through its leaves. It thrives in humid environments, making it the perfect addition to spaces like beside the bathtub or sink, where moisture levels are higher. The form of the element was inspired by my first stone head module, which I created prior to this project.

The Concept

The idea for the project emerged during a visit to my hometown of Bihać, specifically while spending time in nature and observing the natural beauty of the Krajina region. I wanted to work with stone, a natural element, and offer both myself and others a small piece of nature that we could carry with us wherever we go. What connects the stone and me is our shared origin. The project focuses on minimal processing, with the aim of preserving the stone’s natural texture and form as much as possible. In this way, as the creator, I adapt the shape to its intended purpose only after nature has already shaped its form and surface texture.

Bihacit

Vessels and Candleholders

2022-2024

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