The opening of the 'Living Human Treasures' exhibition in Buzau County, dedicated to traditional local artisans who hold this title, figures who preserve and pass on the authentic crafts of the region, took place on Thursday at the Art Galleries.

Amelia Papazissu continues the ancient art of weaving with goat hair and wool, a rare traditional technique representative of the Buzau area. She has devoted her time to preserving the traditional crafts of the Slanicul Valley and was designated a 'Living Human Treasure' in 2013.

The folk art collection includes over 100 pieces, many of heritage value, including the traditional costume worn by Moglan Gheorghe, a local from Beceni commune who took part in the centenary celebrations of the Great Union on 1 December 1918 in Alba Iulia.

'For me, it is a great honour to carry on and preserve Buzau traditions. The initiative to bring the three Living Treasures together today at the Art Galleries is a great joy, as such an occasion may only happen once in a lifetime. We try to set an example for children and teachers to practice craftsmanship, as we are surrounded by too much technology. What I do is not difficult; I have been working for over 45 years, passing on this craft with great love. It is a joy to see interest and passion in doing it. I have managed to train folk craftsmen,' Amelia Papazissu told AGERPRES.

The event was also attended by Mircea Micu, a folk musician and maker of traditional instruments such as the bagpipe, bucium (alpenhorn), caval (long pipe), flute, and ocarina.

The musician is known for crafting his instruments himself using natural, traditional materials such as wood and clay.

'To play the bucium, you need to know how to produce the sound and have physical strength. It brings me joy; everyone knows when I play the bucium, and it is also a gift from God. The bucium drives away evil spirits. I played after midnight. It takes quite some time to make a bucium; it is made from cherry bark taken when the sap is running. The wood must be left to dry for a period, about six months until the bucium is ready. It has a secret: I wax it. I boil the wax and pour it over the instrument,' Mircea Micu told AGERPRES.

Liviu Balac was awarded the title of 'Living Human Treasure' in 2022, recognised as a master in woodwork and sculpted and painted icon making.

'This is a very rare event; each of us is very busy, with separate paths even towards eternity. More and more of us follow this path as age demands. Painting and sculpture, for which I have received awards, are a way to convey what you feel. It is very important that an icon serves as a window to God, and for this, you must put your soul into it. When you do, the viewer will be delighted, and their life will be richer,' Liviu Balac told AGERPRES.

The event was organised by Andreea Tisloveanu and Raul Galmeanu from the Buzau County Centre for Culture and Art. The exhibition can be visited from 27 November 2025 to 13 February 2026, with free entry. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Florin Zafiu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)