Speaker of the Sejm Marek Kuchcinski has assumed patronage of the Sejm exhibition "Disappearing professions of Podkarpacie". In a letter read by MP Jerzy Paul, he wrote that the world is changing very rapidly, and each era brings with it completely new rights and obligations. We are all aware that over time some professions are being profoundly transformed or irrevocably disappearing. However, efforts should be made to save all that is a legacy of our culture, history and crafts from oblivion and preserve them for future generations.

Marek Kuchciński emphasized that by learning about old professions and their specificity, we commune not only with the history of progress, but also with the history of human spirituality. Understanding the challenges of XXI century civilization, we want to express respect for our culture, heritage and historical identity, seeing them as a source of pride and inner strength. Disappearing professions are an exceptionally important determinant of cultural identity of the region, they are also an important heritage of our national culture. The over four hundred years old rafting traditions of the Ulanów land, the customs of the Sepulchral Guards, which date back to the Middle Ages, as well as traditional wicker products are also a great showcase of the Podkarpacie region.

The exhibition consists of 30 large-format photographs devoted to rafting and the region taken by the photographer Andrzej Łada. Also presented are wicker products made by residents of the Nizanski and Lezajski districts, unique rafting costumes from the Nizanski district, and works by an artist from the Grodzisko Dolne commune, related to Easter customs of the Grave Guards.

The tradition of rafting in the Ulaanow region is over 400 years old. The Rafting Brotherhood, under the patronage of St. Barbara, has been guarding the water traditions of Ulanów for over a quarter of a century. They are the direct heirs of the rafting guild, the roots of which went back to the 18th century. In 2017, as part of the celebrated Year of the Vistula River, members of the Brotherhood organized a very prestigious rafting trip from Ulanów to Gdańsk. Ulanów is the undisputed capital of Polish rafting.

The custom of the Tomb Guards has its roots in the Christian tradition and dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was introduced in our lands by the Canons of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the Miechowites or the Holy Sepulchre Guards.

Also, wickerwork has a rich and beautiful tradition in the culture of the northern part of Podkarpacie; land Rudnik, leżajska and nisan. 140 years ago, Count Ferdinand Hompesch founded in Rudnik nad Sanem the first on Polish land basketry school. Thanks to many years of tradition, local craftsmen have gained extraordinary knowledge and skills. Products of our craftsmen due to the raw material of natural origin and manual work, have their own simple and unique charm and are a great showcase of our region.

Photo by M. Olejnik