Džolomar: Exploring the material culture in a winter masked ritual in Kavadarci, Republic of North Macedonia

The Balkans are rich in cultural traditions that have pre-Christian origins. Many of these traditions have survived over time and continue to be practiced in the contemporary period. In the Republic of North Macedonia, the Džolomar, a winter masked ritual, is performed during the Orthodox New Year in some communities by an all-male ensemble wearing elaborate costumes. These male performers portray various characters and are mostly notable for the large cowbells attached to their belts. Containing pre-Christian elements, the Džolomar invokes fertility relating to pastoral life, repels evil spirits, and brings good fortune to the community. This article explores the winter masked rituals in Resava and Begnishte, two neighboring villages in Kavadarci. Fieldwork, which consisted of interviews with locals, observations of rituals, and participation in associated practices, was conducted to gather data for the study. By exploring the tradition through the lens of material culture theory, the study confirms that the material elements in Džolomar affect local communities in three ways: the formation of identity, the preservation of cultural traditions, and the reconnection of villagers with their historic past.