BORIOLI, Aladin
Bannkörbe

MORE RUCHES! Artist Aladin Borioli has been working on the Apian project since 2014, exploring the centuries-old relationship between bees and humans. In this book his research focuses on Bannkörbe – lit. “charm baskets”: a unique form of beekeeping technology that was popular in northern Germany, especially Lower Saxony, between the 17th and early 20th century. Not only did the Bannkörbe function as nesting baskets but the bizarre masks that typically adorn them served to ward off evil spirits. Their appearance at dusk was also intended to scare away honey thieves and bears. With deep roots in magical beliefs, this tradition represents an unusual alternative to the “modern” beehive and the economic optimization of beekeeping and honey harvesting.

The publication, which includes texts by Bas Blaasse, appears in conjunction with the C/O Berlin Talent Award 2023.

Published by Spector Books, 2024
Design by Marc Naroska, Max Schürmann
Artists' Books / Crafts / Food Culture / Material Culture