In August 2023, at Burning Man 2023, Ukrainian burners unveiled the Hedgehog Temple, an art project constructed from anti-tank hedgehogs.

The Hedgehog Temple is crafted from a combination of 6,000 pounds of steel, wood, and camouflage nets, reflecting the materials that Ukrainians used during the early stages of the war. 100 anti-tank hedgehogs symbolizes the defense and unity of Ukrainians and pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the russian-Ukrainian war.

During the early days of the russian invasion, Ukrainians constructed 300,000 makeshift hedgehog barriers to prevent tanks and protect their homes.

The installation attracted thousands of individuals who shed tears, prayed, and expressed sympathy for Ukraine, leaving their emotions imprinted on the metal needles of the hedgehog. In the very heart of the temple were stories of fallen soldiers and cultural figures who should have been at the Burning Man 2023 event, not at war in Ukraine. The stories of our friends and friends of our friends, sent from all corners of the world.

It holds much more significance and has the potential to save hundreds of lives of people who struggle for their freedom every day. We can't bring back the fallen soldiers and will never see them again, but we have the power to save those who still need our help.

Thus, Ukrainian burners and their fundraising partner, the Leleka Foundation, have united to inspire all burners and their friends to transcend the boundaries of an event community and to acquire 20 evacuation vehicles. Throughout the event, we engaged with participants, shared the harsh realities of the war, and received words of support, offers of assistance, and pledges to spread the truth among their friends. Now is the «from burners to burners» time.

1. THE SHOTS

The cartridges were handed over to us by the Ukrainian military from the battlefield near the city of Bakhmut. Each set has a personal number and is packed in a special wooden case.

2. THE WOODEN ANTI-TANK HEDGEHOG MODEL

3. THE VALIANT GUITAR

An extraordinary electric guitar meticulously handcrafted from charred Ukrainian oak. On November 15th, we will select the fortunate winner from those who have donated more than $1,000.

4. LIGHT PAINTING BY MARINA MALYARENKO

Marina Malyarenko, a Ukrainian artist specializing in the art of Petrykyivka, a traditional Ukrainian art form originally used to decorate houses and household goods. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Malyarenko is creating paintings that combine the traditional technique of Petrykyivka with the symbols of the current Ukrainian resistance, such as the kalyna (viburnum) tree and the Ukrainian coat of arms. Malyarenko’s paintings symbolize the qualities of unity, community, and tradition, painted as acts of resistance to the forces that would suppress Ukrainian culture and self-determination.

5. LIGHT PAINTING BY MARTA PITCHUK

Marta Pitchuk born in lvano-Frankivsk, Ukraine. She paints MOTANKA. The motanka doll is an ancient Ukrainian talisman of protection which was made by mothers for their children with warmth and care.

The paintings show how the inanimate doll of previous centuries steps into the present and merges into one with a real-life woman in flesh and blood. The living Motanka is no longer an object but a personality with its own character, thoughts and views. It is the embodiment of the past which came to life on canvas.

The Hedgehog Temple at Burning Man

By Leleka Foundation

The Hedgehog Temple at Burning Man

Ukrainian burners invite you to join them in purchasing life-saving vehicles. The goal is to raise $50,000 for the first of twenty evacuation vehicles and save lives.