Craftsmen in the Market Town

In this section, Mihály Egerszegi and Boriska appear as craftsmen of the market town. They show how one could become a guild member, what kinds of trades were practiced, and what privileges craftsmen enjoyed at the time.

Following the Ottoman period, the market town of Zalaegerszeg began a slow process of growth. Increasing numbers of craftsmen worked here, organized into guilds that supplied customers with a wide variety of everyday goods, tools, clothing, and footwear. Their products were sold at the marketplace in front of the church and at regional fairs. The earliest charter of privileges was granted to the cobblers in 1633. By the first half of the 19th century, the craftsmen of Egerszeg belonged to ten different guilds, and differences in wealth among them had also begun to emerge.

Guilds and Their Regulations

Craftsmen were subject to strict regulations that had to be obeyed under threat of punishment. Only after completing an apprenticeship, undertaking a journeyman’s journey, and producing a masterwork could a person become a member of a guild. Upon attaining master status, they were required to host a feast, attend guild meetings, and participate in community duties assigned to the guild, such as firefighting.

Part of their wealth was devoted to charitable purposes. They supported elderly and ill craftsmen and erected chapels and statues in the glory of God.

Their prestige and influence are demonstrated by the fact that until the middle of the 19th century, the leaders and magistrates of the market town were often chosen from among them. Following the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, the guilds – which were seen as obstacles to free enterprise – were dissolved. Their successors continued their work as independent craftsmen organized into professional associations.

Guild Seal, 1746

The larger seal matrix, made in 1746, was engraved with intricate motifs. In the four-part shield, the wheel represents the wheelwright, the saddle symbolizes the saddler, the scissor-like candle snuffer stands for the blacksmith, and the unusual shape below represents the harness maker.

Inscription: SZALA EGERSZEGHI CHE PÖCSETYE (“Seal of the Guild of Zala Egerszeg”). Two unusual creatures support the shield; these amorphous, segmented figures can be recognized as river crayfish, once common in the waters of Zala County. (Object description: Anna Megyeri)

Works of Master Bootmakers – Miniature Boots, 19th Century

Among the objects displayed in the showcase presenting the products of guild craftsmen are two tiny 19th-century boots.

Creating these miniatures must have posed a genuine challenge for aspiring masters. (Object description: Anna Megyeri)

Our Curator’s Favourite: Gingerbread Mould with Church and Cradle Motif, 19th Century

In 1986, I visited the last gingerbread maker of Zalaegerszeg, Mrs. János Szabó (Lídia Rusznyi), in Zala Street. At that time, she was still selling her colourful products at the town’s weekly market. She welcomed me kindly but was only able to donate a few tools, colourful pictures, and two carved moulds to the Göcsej Museum.

Such tools were crafted by skilled woodcarvers, and the earliest, most elaborate examples have even been associated with goldsmiths. The hard gingerbread dough, kneaded with considerable effort, was pressed into the floured mould and then knocked out. After baking, the pieces were joined together, creating three-dimensional objects that could even serve as toys on occasion. These were sold at fairs and religious festivals, much to the delight of children. The carver even took care to include a little bird perched on the church tower.

Today, however, much to the delight of enthusiastic bakers, carved moulds – now commonly known as cookie moulds – are experiencing a renaissance. (Anna Megyeri)