The people of Pivka in Vilhar’s days

An outline of life in Upper Pivka in the second half of the nineteenth century

Abstract

Pivka is an area with karst features. Being a losing stream, the Pivka River could not be used as a power source. Fertile karst soil was difficult to cultivate due to the excessive presence of rocks. Long and harsh winters determined the local diet and dire living conditions dictated seasonal migrations to find work in winter. Rocky meadows were put to good use with small stock breeding. By the end of the century, the inhabitants of Pivka made up for the late introduction of education, developing the local cultural life in parallel with the educational boom. Fires necessitated the raising of fire companies. Lightning strikes and earthquakes terrified the inhabitants of Pivka during the second half of the nineteenth century and mutual assistance manifested at times of disease and other misfortunes.