The Maziarska Homestead in Łosie

The Maziarska Homestead, a branch of the Museum of the Karwacjan and Gładysz Manors in Gorlice, is a unique ethnographic open-air museum located in the village of Łosie. It pays tribute to the maziarstvo traditions, which were associated with the trade of grease and lubricants—products that provided a livelihood for the inhabitants of this Lemko village. Architecturally, the homestead showcases typical Lemko construction of the region, with simple wooden structures that blend harmoniously into the surrounding nature. The building techniques and architectural details used here reflect a rich craft tradition and local skills. Culturally, this place is not only a space for learning about the grease trade but also promotes local traditions, folklore, and customs, allowing visitors to explore the lives of the region’s inhabitants in past centuries. Historically, the open-air museum stands as a living monument to the grease industry, which played a significant role in the local economy during the 19th and 20th centuries. The maziars, or grease merchants, traveled far from their homes, contributing to cultural and trade exchanges. An interesting fact is that grease, a natural fatty substance, played a key role not only in households but also in industry, serving as a lubricant for tools and machinery. The Maziarska Homestead aims not only to preserve this knowledge and tradition but also to actively promote it by organizing numerous events, workshops, and exhibitions that engage the community and attract tourists. In this way, it ensures the survival of local traditions and history, making it an important point on Poland’s ethnographic map.