tarnauti

Tarnauti are a subgroup of Albanian border shepherds originating from the southern part of Albania, in the regions of Gjirokastër, Vlorë, and Berat. Traditionally, they are responsible for caring for sheep and other livestock on the mountainsides.

Their traditional role involves grazing sheep and other livestock on the high mountain pastures during the summer months. During this time, they camp in temporary shelters, often near ancient fortifications and other remnants of past cultures. In the winter, the tarnauti return to the lowlands to care for their families and implement any tasks necessary to prepare for the upcoming season.

In the past, tarnauti adopted a unique annual cycle. Every three or four years, families would move to completely separate areas of their pasturelands in the summer months. This migration ensured that the land could recover and maintain a healthy, mobile population of animals. They were allowed a sufficient amount of time to allow the green grass and the scented herbe to return to their natural beauty, rather than letting it stay bare and squashed flat. Still maintaining many traditions today, tarnauti are distinctively dressed and usually form close-knit communities with similar customs and skills passed down through generations.

The terms and specific role of tarnauti are currently experiencing a decrease in their significance, as many aspects have sought professional help and specific information assistance. However, for centuries, the tarnauti have instilled Albanian culture, caught foreign eyes, and have produced knitting, artisans, and education systems.