What Do Roofs and Bread Have in Common? The Role of Rye in the Material and Food Cultures of Kosovo and Albania.
Topics:
Keywords: Rye, Roofing, Material Culture, Kosovo, Albania
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract
Authors:
Maria G Fadiman, Florida Atlantic University
Avni Hajdari, University of Prishtina
Andrea G Pieroni, University of Gastronomic Sciences at Pollenzo, Italy
Bardhë G Kurti, University of Prishtina, Kosovo
Xhavit G Mala, Forest Service Kosovo
Ardit G Hasani, University of Prishtina
Mimozë G Buzhala, University of Prishtina
Dafinë Syla, University of Prishtina
Cassandra Quave, Emory University
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Abstract
Albania and Kosovo, countries often defined by war and violence, have rich landscape identities beyond these realities. This research explores rural traditions in flux, specifically the connection between roofing and food. What does the traditional thatch roof and bread have in common? Rye. The most common rye grew well in rocky terrain and extreme weather, providing 1) healthy grain for bread 2) sustainable roofing. As globalization increases and economics improve, individuals in rural communities see rye roofing as representing poverty and of being, in their words, “backwards”. Thus, in looking at the trajectory of roofing it went from rye thatch to stone, homemade clay tiles, purchased tiles, and finally metal. With the change in roofing material, the local families no longer use a source that can be sustainable, replaceable at low cost, and ventilates well. They also shift away from one of their mainstay food sources. The people in the Has region, famous for its bakers (working as bakers even when they emigrate), have been using the rye until recently. However, a twist in the story is that although few are growing rye in the rural areas, especially in the younger generation, in the cities, bakeries are now starting to reintroduce the rye bread. They are recognizing that what was considered a poverty food is now seen as a health food. This could create a market that could revitalize rye agriculture and in turn open up the possibility for the rise in the rye roof culture as well.
What Do Roofs and Bread Have in Common? The Role of Rye in the Material and Food Cultures of Kosovo and Albania.
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Paper Abstract