Slovenia year 2019 stamps Architecture Hayracks of Slovenia

Slovenia year 2019 stamps Architecture Hayracks of Slovenia MNH full set

The Slovenia 2019 “Architecture: Hayracks of Slovenia” (Kozolci) stamp set is a commemorative issue that highlights one of the most unique and iconic elements of Slovene cultural heritage and folk architecture.

The set was issued on May 31, 2019, and consists of five definitive stamps (issued in sheetlets of 10). The stamps portray different regional types of hayracks (kozolci), emphasizing the diversity of these structures across Slovenia.

The five featured hayracks, illustrating various types and regional forms, are from the areas of:

1. Zasavje: Featuring a kozolec with a lean-to roof (a simpler, covered structure).
2. Poljanska Dolina (Poljane Valley): Featuring a double hayrack (toplar), which is a larger, more complex structure often used for storage as well as drying.
3. Central Slovenia (Osrednja Slovenija): Featuring a single hayrack with multiple openings (“windows”) between the supports.
4. Dolenjska: Featuring a type of hayrack characteristic of the southeastern Dolenjska region.
5. Bohinj (Gorenjska region): Featuring a hayrack type specific to this mountainous area.

The illustrations, which are noted for their artistic quality, were created by painter Janez Kovačič. This set celebrates the kozolec—a permanent, mainly wooden, open but roofed structure for drying and storing hay and grain—which is considered an architectural feature virtually exclusive to the ethnical territory of the Slovene nation.