Xhubleta remains one of the most unique traditional costumes of Albania. This costume and its knowledge has traveled a lot in time, since the Illyrians, who designed it in seemingly beautiful ways, but which in themselves create symbols that seem to bring us messages that today we can not explain.
The dossier of this dress, which greatly enriches our culture, has been submitted to UNESCO, to preserve it as a spiritual heritage, in danger.
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| Albanian women dressed with Xhubleta |
"UNESCO recognizes that alternative variants in the realization of the Xhubleta are possible," said file coordinator Dorian Çene.
In the north of Albania, especially in Malësi e Madhe, there are few handy ladies who know how to make this dress.
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| Albanian women dressed with Xhubleta |
"We focus mostly on Malësia e Madhe, because we found more information there. "There are many individuals who have worn the Xhublet also because it was part of the necessary ritual at weddings in the northern area," he said.
Today there are very few scholars of Xhubleta and age has made it Impossible to continue its production.
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| Albanian man and woman dressed in traditional clothings |
"It has been very important to identify individuals who today are still able to realizethe Xhubleta. Be it a Xhubleta from beginning to end, or in collaboration with others. There are just six or seven people capable to produce the xhubleta", he said.
But what will be the benefits if Xhubleta is accepted in UNESCO, not as an object or material but a unique technique still mastered by Albanians?
"What we thought in the file is to use the bearers or individuals we have today, who possess the knowledge in making the Xhubleta and these can train others," added Mr. Çene.
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| Albanian woman with Xhubleta climbing stairs |
But how is the Xhubleta dossier for Unescco completed?
"This was then documented with a photograph. With a documentary that lasts up to 10 minutes, which should make it clear to those who make the decision to accept the candidacy or not. "What is the object, what does it represent for the community and the way it is used", he said.