Prince George of Yugoslavia

Getting around

Transporting baggage by foot

Travelers often hired a horse for riding while women or other dependents carried the heavy baggage on foot, frequently using straps across their chests. Women who performed this strenuous transport work were often seen knitting or spinning as they walked behind pack-animals.

At the table

Tree bark served as emergency hydration

In arid regions, locals consumed inner bark scraped from young beech or birch trees, known as mezgra, to quench their thirst. This was often used during wartime when water was scarce.

What people wore

Costume worth more than property

A luxurious Montenegrin national costume could be so valuable that, together with weapons, it was worth more than a family's entire property. It took an average of three months to craft one of these costumes.

Music

The gusle and epic songs

The gusle, a single-stringed instrument played with a bow, was essential for epic poetry, with stories often passed between people during evening gatherings. Its soundbox was traditionally made of maple and covered in animal skin, with a string crafted from thirty horsehairs.

Daily life

Compulsory and free elementary education

Elementary education was made compulsory and free, with 75 public and 26 private schools operating in Montenegro by 1899.