Some Tribal Origins, Laws, and Customs of the Balkans

By Mary Edith Durham

Book Overview

"Some Tribal Origins, Laws, and Customs of the Balkans" is a comprehensive ethnographic study that explores the complex social structures and ancient traditions of the Balkan Peninsula. Mary Edith Durham, a renowned observer of the region, provides a detailed examination of the tribal systems, blood feuds, and communal laws that governed life in areas such as Albania and Montenegro. The work offers profound insights into the unwritten codes of justice, marriage, and property rights that defined tribal existence for centuries.

Durham investigates the origins of various tribes, tracing their historical migrations and the evolution of their cultural practices. She highlights the fascinating intersection of pagan and Christian influences within their rituals, folklore, and superstitions. By documenting these customs during a period of significant regional transition, the book serves as an invaluable resource for historians and anthropologists. The text focuses on the central role of the family and the clan, providing a vivid portrait of a society built upon honor and kinship. "Some Tribal Origins, Laws, and Customs of the Balkans" remains a foundational text for anyone seeking to understand the historical and social foundations of Southeast European identity.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025998812
• ISBN13: 9781025998817
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"