HANDCRAFTING IN MIRDITA
The artisans of Mirdita, over the centuries, have brought unique works of stone and wood. According to a study by Dom Prend Suli, taken from the "Hylli i Drites" Magazine published in 1937, mentioning is made of tiles made by Preng Nkoll Suli in 1928 for the church of Fani. The inhabitants of the Mirdita areas process lime and stone for the construction of the characteristic houses, of their churches and wood for spoons, chairs and cabinets. Also ciftelia and lahuta (traditional musical instruments) are produced by local residents.
The traditional clothing of both men and women is a testimony that comes to this day. According to the artisan Drane Zefi, it took up to 12 months to prepare an outfit for a bride, starting from the processing of wool/shajak to the embroidery of colorful and diverse motifs.
Nowadays, the tradition has faded and very few artisans use the early techniques of craft production.
In the framework of the DigiCult-Tour project, financed through the EU4Culture program and implemented by the Albanian Center for Education, Tourism and Entrepreneurship (CEAPAL), an initiative was taken to revitalize tradition and stimulate handicrafts and cultural heritage through its application in the production of souvenirs,
This initiative, which is closely related to the historical wealth and tradition of handwork, aims to restore and preserve for posterity a precious part of the cultural identity. Through this meticulous and careful effort, the authentic elements that are essential in the culture of Mirdita have become the object of research and expertise. These elements, closely related to history and tradition, have been evidenced and accurately captured, based on the details of the folk costumes of the province. From early craft activities to sophisticated techniques of working on different materials, all have been carefully collected and evaluated to become inevitable parts of new craft models that can be proposed in the market. Artistic heritage is treated as a precious and sensitive asset, being treated with respect and style. This heritage is not simply copied, but interpreted with creative spirit and brought into daily life in new ways. This creation process has always been done with a clear goal: to preserve and express the authentic values that represent the heritage of this area and to make the local community aware of the importance of this process.
It is expected that the artisans of Mirdita will continue further to preserve the traditional crafting techniques, while also creatinga locak economy.
Visitors are invited to purchase local products, not only as a memory from the beautiful trip in Mirdita, but as meaningful contribution to the heritage preservation in the new generations.
Further information can be obtained at INFOKULLA.
BROOCH - Cross Motif from the Monastery Church of Rubik
Brooches - this aesthetic decorative element, will be realized with a combination of recycled pieces and embroidery technique.
The pieces, depending on their thickness, will be placed in order to create one layer or two overlapping layers. To ensure that they are kept together they will be connected by hand sewing. In order to add an aesthetic feeling that aims towards the simple, the capture of the pieces will be done through the use of the metal premandera which will also make the connection with the place where it will be placed.
EMBROIDERED,FELTED SOAP with motif from the Monastery Church of Rubik
The other souvenir that is also related to the Monastery Church of Rubik, consists of wrapping soaps with shajak (traditionally handcrafted wool). This special process of wrapping the soap with the wool material brings an authentic and unique touch to the products available for sale. Let's explore other details of this carefully crafted process.
To begin with, the process of wrapping soap with wool includes several key steps that give the end result attractive and aesthetic.
EYE GLASSES CASE – Motifs from Pictograms of Rubik
The third model will have eyeglass cases with medium type (thickness) industrial shajak material.
The dimensions will be 17 x 8.5 cm (considering the piece in two). Sewing the shape of the glasses case can be done by machine or by hand. On them are embroidered anthropomorphic figures (male and female) taken from Rubik's pictograms. Simple embroidery technique.
KEY HOLDERS – in memory of Spaç prison
Spaçi Prison, known for its rich history and the events that took place in this place of escape, will be featured in a special craft window, which will bring back the historical and unique spirit of this place through a simple but deeply authentic.
This model is closely intertwined with the history of the prison grounds, highlighting the heritage and events that took place there. The idea behind this concept is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the environment through the recycling of used materials. This special initiative aims to create a deep connection between the past and the present, bringing back to life materials that have a special history of their own.
WOOL (SHAJAK) SLIPPERS with ethnographic motifs
The shajak slipper in their rare craftsmanship, create an unforgettable harmony of heritage and creativity. This form of craftsmanship is a reflection of the skills of the masters, who connect elements of tradition by interweaving them with elements of modernity.
To bring these wonderful handicrafts, the wool is first selected and treated with the utmost care.
WINE BOTTLE HOLDERS embroidered with motifs from the Monastery Church of Rubik
The wine bottle holders will be created with a special sense of craftsmanship through the combination of modern materials and authentic design.
The selection of the maximum thickness of the industrial shaker is made on purpose so that the holder is able to withstand the weight of the glass bottles that will be placed in it.
With special care, it will be worked that each part is equipped with the right dimensions to ensure the stability and perfect operation of the holder.
