Photo taken from Kohajone.net
UNESCO has officially inscribed the Albanian Lahuta on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
From UNESCO:
“Art of playing, singing and making the lahuta
Inscribed in 2025 (20.COM) on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
The lahuta is a single-stringed wooden instrument with a sound box covered in leather and a carved neck that is made, played and sung with by which the rural communities of north and northwestern Albania. The instrument is handcrafted from wood such as maple or walnut, with strings once made of horsehair and now often nylon.
It is played in family and community groups and on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. The performer usually plays while singing, telling stories that reflect important legends, historical events, or personal experiences. Although traditionally played by men, today women also perform.
The practice is transmitted mainly through observation and participation in family or community settings. Individual lessons and seasonal courses also help young people in urban areas engage in the tradition. National and local festivals support its visibility, and social media now plays a role in inspiring new players.
The lahuta contributes to the preservation of collective memory and social values. While it once focused on local legends, the practice now also includes personal stories, allowing the tradition to evolve. This mix of old and new keeps the practice relevant.”
Sources
Balkan Academia 