Bannkorbe - Aladin Borioli

Bannkörbe by Aladin Borioli / ISBN 9783959058049 / 176-page hardback, 8 x 10.4 inches, published in 2024 by Spector Books (Germany) / text in German/English, illustrated throughout

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With their uncanny carved masks, bannkörbe prove an unusual precursor to modern beekeeping

Bannkörbe (literally meaning “charm baskets”) were a unique form of beekeeping technology that was popular in northern Germany, especially Lower Saxony, between the 17th and early 20th century. In addition to their nesting function, Bannkörbe were used to ward off evil spirits thanks to the strange masks that adorned them. Their appearance at dusk was also intended to scare away honey thieves and bears. This book explores this tradition, which is deeply rooted in magical beliefs, and shows how it represents an unusual alternative to the modern beehive and the economic optimization of beekeeping and honey harvesting.

Combining text and image, Aladin Borioli (born 1988) presents his extensive research project on the Bannkörbe that still exist today. This volume functions as a continuation of his research project entitled Apian in which he been using theoretical, iconographic and ethnographic methods to study the relationship between bees and humans since 2014.