Etnofoto

6 galleries

We are thrilled to present the captivating "Etnofoto" Project Gallery Collection, an exhibition that vividly brings to life the rich tapestry of Kosovo's diverse ethnic communities and their cherished traditional costumes. Sponsored by the Kosovan Ministry for Culture, Youth, and Sports, "Etnofoto" offers a visual journey that transcends photography, capturing the very essence of cultural heritage.

This series of photographs showcases the intricate details of traditional attire worn by various ethnic groups in Kosovo, including the Albanian, Serbian, Roma, and Gorani communities. We aimed to also include the Turkish, Bosnian, and Ashkali communities, but unfortunately, scheduling conflicts prevented us from arranging those photo sessions within the project timeline as we faced multiple rejections. This collection not only celebrates the beauty of these costumes but also delves into their spiritual significance, fostering connections across Kosovo's communities through shared traditions.

We submitted our financial reports to the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports in December 2023. However, due to delayed disbursement of funds from the Ministry, our post-production process could not be completed until June 2024. The project manager has received the login credentials and has until December 2024 to download the digital formats of the photographs.

Follow us on X at x.com/Etnofoto for updates and insights into this extraordinary cultural endeavour.

Sincerely,
Vudi Xhymshiti

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#EtnofotoProject

1 image
EF - Albanians of Kosovo

81 images

This gallery, shot from June to November 2023, showcases traditional attire from the Albanian community, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and significance of each garment. Featured images include: A handmade Jelek, or vest, in red and black, reflecting the eagle on the Albanian national flag, worn over a long-sleeved undergarment. A handmade garment often used as a handkerchief, art piece, table decor, or on a new bride's head above the veil on her wedding day. Traditional trousers usually worn under the "Zhguni," by Albanian highlanders known as "Malesoret." A waistband in white and brown, part of the traditional attire worn by Albanian highlanders known as "Malesoret," made of white sheep's wool. An Albanian traditional outfit with a 'Jelek' vest in the colours of the Albanian national flag (red and black) and a white skirt-like undergarment. A waistband also used as a scarf or round cover for the traditional white hat known as "Plis," part of the men's traditional outfit. An Albanian traditional outfit set for men, including a white hat ("Plis"), vest, trousers ("zhguni"), and waistband, all made of white sheep's wool. This set of studio shoots has been realised thanks to the support of Mrs. Besa Sylejmani and production assistance from Greta Bajrami. This collection is part of the 'ETNO FOTO' project funded by the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. All photographs were captured by Vudi Xhymshiti.
EF - Serbs of Kosovo

51 images

This gallery, shot from June to November 2023, showcases traditional attire from the Kosovar-Serb community, highlighting the rich cultural heritage and significance of each garment. Featured images include: A 65-year-old Prizren linen shirt with orientalist design, worn at weddings and family gatherings. “Jelek” made of Zenane fabric, worn over the shirt, also 65 years old. “Dimije” of Zenane fabric, worn by young and older women, with lighter and darker colours respectively. “Dimice” made of cotton (Basma), worn under the Dimije to make brides look bigger. “Boshča,” a special apron worn over the everyday “Skutača.” “Vrzoglavka,” used to keep long hair together. Handmade wool and cotton socks for everyday use. Everyday slippers for street or general use. Scanned images from the 1980s of Kosovar-Serb women in traditional outfits. Special thanks to Egyle Gjurgjeala for helping to source the clothes, Jasmina Savic for generously supporting the project by bringing her clothes and garments, and Djordje Markovic for production assistance. This collection is part of the 'ETNO FOTO' project funded by the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. All photographs were captured by Vudi Xhymshiti.
EF - Roma of Kosovo

42 images

This gallery, shot in Sept 2023, showcases traditional attire from the Roma community in Kosovo, highlighting the vibrant cultural heritage and the significance of each garment. Featured images include: Rrahmana in a green dimije, symbolising the Roma flag. Gjenita in gold shallvare, traditionally worn by single girls. Dimije worn by mothers-in-law at weddings. Another variant of dimije in purple with cherry pink, worn by mothers-in-law and grandmothers at weddings. Gjenita in blue sky Kule, suitable for youth at weddings regardless of marital status or age. Jelek me Ar (Vest draped in Gold) with Dimije “Tetovarçko,” worn during baby naming, baptism ceremonies, and religious festivals. This collection is part of the 'ETNO FOTO' project funded by the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. All photographs were captured by Vudi Xhymshiti.
EF - Alb Heritage Through Attire

51 images

The 'ETNO FOTO' project, funded by the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (June-Nov 2023), showcases traditional Albanian attire through studio shoots in Mitrovica, Kosovo. Highlighted pieces include the northern, southern, and central Plis hats, the elaborate Xhubleta skirt worn by women, and the Tirqi trousers worn by men. Each piece, rich in cultural heritage, illustrates the distinctive designs, intricate embroidery, and symbolic elements unique to different regions of Albania and Kosovo. (Photography by: Vudi Xhymshiti)
EF - Gorani of Kosovo

71 images

Maznikar Zenifa lives in Brod, a secluded village in the Prizren region. At 51, she is a mother of three boys and has been a widow for three years, having lost her husband to Covid-19. Zenifa has continued her family’s 150-year tradition of crafting handmade clothing, a skill she inherited upon marrying into the family. Now, she works alongside her sons to create these unique garments. In this gallery I am showcasing the traditional handmade clothing of the Gorani community, captured as part of the 'ETNO FOTO' project (June-Nov 2023), funded by the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports. We are deeply grateful to Zenifa for providing her exquisite handmade garments for this project and to Ergyle and Besa for their invaluable production assistance. This collection includes intricate pieces such as the 'Popke Redene' engagement shoes, the 'Xhamadan' for young boys, and the 'Jelek' worn by engaged women, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and meticulous craftsmanship of the Gorani people in Kosovo.