In 2021, the Center for Folklore and Ethnography celebrated two significant anniversaries: its 30th anniversary since its founding and the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Philology, of which it is a part. The center’s history began in 1991 with the establishment of the Republican Educational and Methodological Center for Folklore and Ethnography at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Its purpose was to enhance the quality of training and retraining for specialists in folklore and ethnography, to deepen scientific research on Ukrainian national culture both within Ukraine and abroad, and to study the cultures of other ethnic groups living in Ukraine. The center was inspired by the renowned folklorist specializing in fairy tales L. Dunayevska, Doctor of Philology.
Over the years, the center has been headed by H. Dorydor, PhD in Philology; Professor V. Boyko; L. Shurko, PhD in Philology; Professor I.Pavlenko; O. Dolya, Honoured Worker of Culture of Ukraine. Since 2018, the unit has been headed by V. Shchybrya, PhD in History. He systematically conducts interactive lectures at the Institute and at various academic and cultural institutions on the topic of traditional Ukrainian dress, and has served as a scholarly consultant for the films “Back to Basics” (2020), “Weaving Path” (2021).
The Center, along with the Department of Folklore Studies, is dedicated to the revival, preservation, and promotion of Ukraine’s national cultural treasures. Its activities are diverse and encompass research, methodological development, teaching, education, and cultural outreach. A key focus of the Center is conducting field studies on folklore traditions. Its archive houses over 6,000 folklore items collected during 30 expeditions.
The Center initiates, organizes, and co-organizes art exhibitions at the Institute of Philology, the University, the Taras Shevchenko National Museum, and other venues. It regularly hosts masterclasses on various traditional crafts, such as embroidery, folk toy making, straw weaving, pysanka (Ukrainian Easter egg decorating), and vytynanka (Ukrainian paper cutting art).
