PH
Northern Albania has a traditional instrument called the lahuta, a single-stringed wooden instrument with a leather-covered sound box. Musicians traditionally play it while singing stories about legends, historical events, and personal experiences. It is performed during weddings, festivals, and family or community gatherings.
The instrument is handcrafted from woods such as maple or walnut. The knowledge of making, playing, and singing with the lahuta is transmitted through families and communities.
Women also perform the tradition today, although it was historically associated mainly with men.
UNESCO placed the art of playing, singing, and making the lahuta on its Urgent Safeguarding List in 2025.
© UNESCO