By: Emir Medanhodžić
Here we are again in Banjalučica, which boasts five necropolises—an exceptional number for a single village. The Krnja Rijeka necropolis has 24 medieval tombstones; in the hamlet of Karetići, there are two necropolises—Šumarak with 18 and Lokve with 13 tombstones—along with solitary tombstones at the Kiler and Gradac locations.
The Lokve necropolis contains 13 medieval tombstones at an elevation of 770 meters, with a NW–SE orientation. It features finely carved gabled roof tombstones (with and without pedestals) and large slabs (with and without pedestals). Of particular interest are the symbols of single and double spirals, which are among the most common symbols on medieval tombstones, representing constant movement in the heavens and on earth, as well as in human life.
Unfortunately, some tombstones have been overturned, and most are overgrown with vegetation, while some have sunken into the ground. We ask the local residents to clean this beautiful necropolis, as it is located right next to the road.
I thank my friends Sead, Bajro, and Mevludin for showing me this necropolis.
