Princess Zorka of Montenegro

What people wore

Weapons as essential male clothing

Montenegrin men considered themselves naked without their weapons, routinely carrying guns, a yatagan knife, and a long rifle even while engaged in peaceful tasks.

Getting around

Antivari to Virpazar by carriage

A journey by carriage between Antivari and Virpazar took five to six hours, depending on the horses' strength and road conditions.

At the table

Meat as a luxury item

Meat, primarily beef and goat, was often prepared by boiling or drying and could be stored for up to a year. Eating meat was considered a sign of prosperity, reserved for those with annual incomes of at least 400 gulden.

Music

Gusle: The Monochord of Montenegrin Epic Poetry

The gusle, a single-stringed instrument played with a horsehair bow, was the most important traditional instrument for accompanying epic poetry and historical songs. Musicians often improvised lyrics at home or during festivities, with the instrument being passed from person to person.

Daily life

Traditional stone huts and smoke-filled rooms

Houses were typically built from stone with roofs of thatch or wooden shingles, often lacking chimneys so smoke simply escaped through the structure. Many homes consisted of a single room on the ground floor serving as kitchen, parlor, and bedroom, sometimes shared with livestock.

What it cost

Definition of wealth in Montenegro

A person was considered wealthy in Montenegro if their annual income reached 400 gulden.