by Ismet Tafili
Abstract
This study documents the traditional craft of clog making in the Bujanovac Highlands, a predominantly Albanian region that experienced severe depopulation after 1999. Based on ethnographic research, oral testimonies, and historical references, the article traces the development of clog making from the late nineteenth century through its peak in the post–Second World War period. Particular attention is given to the villages of Pribovci, Ramabuqa, and Zarbica, which emerged as key centers of production and trade. The study examines raw materials, production techniques, decorative traditions rooted in Dardanian heritage, and regional trade networks across Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Bosnia. It also records the names of identified craftsmen and analyzes the gradual decline and eventual disappearance of the craft due to migration, technological change, and socio-political upheaval.
Ismet Tafil is a publicist from Pribovci, Bujanovac
In 2018, Ismet Tafili published an article on Radio Star about the traditional craft of clog making in the Bujanovac Highlands.
1. The Bujanovac Highlands: Geographic and Cultural Context
The villages of the Bujanovac Highlands, almost entirely depopulated since 1999, were until a few decades ago densely inhabited by Albanians. Beyond their rich natural environment—forests, mountains, and underground resources—these villages possess a deep material, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
Villages of the Bujanovac Highlands
Located north of the town of Bujanovac, the region includes:
- Pribovci
- Zarbica
- Suharrna
- Novosella
- Ramabuqa
- Gjergjeci
- Qarri
- Muhoci
- Bilinica
- Breznica
- Malternoci
Culturally and socially, these villages share strong similarities with nearby villages in Kosovo, such as:
Laçiqi, Sotllari, Kranidelli, Velegllava, Desivojca, and Tërstena.
2. Hashania: Linguistic and Ethnographic Identity
In ethnographic and linguistic literature, several of these villages are collectively known as Hashania, which includes:
- Pribovci
- Zarbica
- Suharrna
- Novosella
- Ramabuqa
- Gjergjeci
- Qarri
- Sotllari
- Kranidelli
3. Life and Economy in Hashania
Life in this region was historically difficult due to political instability and limited economic opportunities. The population relied mainly on:
- Subsistence agriculture
- Livestock breeding
To survive, many men worked seasonally as laborers in Banat, while others developed specialized crafts, including:
- Stone and wood house construction
- Agricultural tools
- Kitchenware
- Musical instruments
One craft that distinguished Hashania from other Albanian regions was clog making (wooden footwear).
4. The Craft of Clog Making
Origins and Development
Clog making became widespread after World War II, particularly among generations of the 1960s–1980s. Although the exact origins are unclear, the strong family-based tradition indicates a long-standing craft culture.
Scholarly references are rare. Drita Statovci, in “The Craft of Clog Makers in Kosovo”, mentions Reshit Salihu of Ramabuqa, who practiced the craft in Gjilan. Statovci notes that documented data do not extend beyond the late 19th and early 20th centuries, suggesting that the craft in Bujanovac Highlands developed in parallel with Kosovo.
5. Key Villages of Clog Production
The most important centers of clog making were:
- Pribovci
- Ramabuqa
- Zarbica
Organized Production
After World War II, Met Murat Fetahu of Pribovci initiated the establishment of a semi-organized workshop in Zarbica, functioning as a small factory. Most craftsmen, however, continued to work from home.
6. Trade and Distribution
Clogs were sold by craftsmen themselves in weekly markets across:
- Bujanovac
- Presevo
- Vranje
- Gjilan
- Kamenica
- Skopje
- Bitola
- Veles
- Prilep
- Niš
- Bosnia (Bijeljina, Tuzla, Sarajevo, Foča)
Some craftsmen transitioned into shoemaking. Prominent traders included:
- Metali Pajaziti (Ramabuqa)
- Hamdi Fetahu
- Haki Fetahu (Pribovci)
- Rufat Rexhepi
- Asllan Berisha (Zarbica)
7. Materials and Techniques
Raw Materials
- Beech wood was preferred for durability and availability.
- Wood was sourced locally from mountains such as Guri i Zi, Mount Sharen, and Shën Ilia.
Raw wooden blocks were called:
- Copanka (Zarbica)
- Qershive (Pribovci, Ramabuqa)
Blocks were carved into rectangular forms (approx. 10–12 × 5–6 cm).
Additional Materials
- Leather straps
- Metal nails
- Decorative dyes (red, yellow, rarely green)
Decoration preserved Dardanian motifs, using serrated stamp-like tools, comparable to archaeological findings from Rahovice (1995).
8. Types of Clogs
Three main types were produced:
- Gands – thin and flat, worn mainly by men
- Tekërdias – higher, worn by women
- Clogs with thresholds – double-heeled, open in the middle, mostly for women
9. Tools and Technological Change
Craftsmen used simple mechanical metal tools, some handmade or repaired by blacksmiths. Later, electric saws were introduced, significantly increasing production efficiency—especially by Haki Fetahu and Reshit Salihu.
10. Decline of the Craft
Following migration and war, clog making gradually disappeared. Many craftsmen shifted to producing:
- Tool handles
- Rakes, hoes, pitchforks
- Cradles, tables, threshing tools
Today, no active clog makers remain in the region.
11. Identified Clog Makers by Village
Ramabuqa – 26 identified craftsmen
(list preserved as provided)
Pribovci – 25 identified craftsmen
(list preserved as provided)
Zarbica – 20 identified craftsmen
(list preserved as provided)
Other Villages
- Suharrna, Novosella, Gjergjeci, Qarri, Muhoci, Sedllar, Kranidelli
– limited or family-based production only
12. Sources
- Albanian Ethnography No. 14, Institute of Popular Culture, Tirana, 1985, p. 71
- Ibid., p. 59
- Faik Fetahu, Gjilan, September 2017
- Sherafedin Kadriu, archaeologist, RTK Gjilan
Balkan Academia 