Vezir Ballshkashi is 73 years old and for a quarter of a century he has been passionately working on what in central Albania are called ‘tepe’, the metal accessories that complete the traditional folk women costumes of the area.
The old man says that when he discovered it he fell in love with the craft, in which he now takes pride and also brings him some additional income.
Known for its traditions, the Rrajca area in central Albania continues to preserve and inherit them, while the 73-year-old is the only one still working in this area, adding that he has work booked for several months.
The work with tepe is full of details and requires a long time, patience and above all passion, says the artisan.
The 73-year-old needs more than 10 days to finish the decorative details of a single dress as the Rrajca folk costumes of the area are known for their details and features inherited from generation to generation.
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