The Photo Collection of Edith Durham

Albania, Montenegro and Kosovo, 1903 - 1913

ED010_RAI 400.13168 Albania. Selca. A young Sworn Virgin surrounded by men of the Kelmendi tribe, at Selca in Kelmendi territory (Photo: Edith Durham, 17 May 1908). “In Maltsia e madhe a girl who has sworn virginity – “an Albanian virgin” – can, if her father leave no son, inherit land and work it. At her death it goes to her father’s nearest male heir. These women as a rule wear male dress and may carry arms.” (Edith Durham, High Albania, 1909).