The
neck tie is of Croatian origin and
a genuine souvenir. It was worn by Croatian soldiers as a wide white
shawl in the 17th century. The fashion was then adopted by the
French as a symbol of prosperity, and it eventually spread
throughout the world.
The
ball-point pen (1906) and fountain pen (1907) are Croatian
inventions and make a fine souvenir. They were invented by Slavoljub
Penkala, one of the greatest European inventors when Zagreb was the
main producer of
stationery in Europe.
The
Morčić (Moor) is a traditional
symbol of the city of Rijeka and the Kvarner region, and victory
over the Turks in a 16th century battle. The Morčić earrings have
the image of a black person wearing a turban. The earring was worn as an amulet by
sailors and fishermen, but today goldsmiths make all kinds of
jewellery – pins, pendants, earrings, bracelets, etc. with the image
of the Moor.
Pag
lace –
Embroidered tablecloths, handkerchiefs, doilies, collars and framed
pieces of intricate lace inspired by the karst terrain of the island
of Pag, make a wonderful souvenir.
The
Vučedol dove is a prehistoric
vessel in the shape of a dove, which dates from the Vučedol period (
3000 – 2200 B.C.). It originated in the area of eastern Slavonija
and Srijem (the main archeological site is
in Vučedol near Vukovar).
Replicas of the Vučedol Dove are sold as genuine
Croatian souvenirs.
The
Baška Tablet is the oldest
Croatian inscribed monument dating from 1100. It was carved in the
village of Jurandvor, near Baška, on the island of Krk. The text is
about King Zvonimir's donation of a piece of land to the abbey
of St.Lucy, also naming witnesses to the deed.
Today replicas of the Baška Tablet can be found in
many souvenir shops and agencies.