More than just a museum visit

I’ll tell you an interesting, or embarrassing, fact about me. I have lived in Prishtina for 20 years, and I had never, ever visited the Kosovo Museum, until one Sunday morning. To my surprise, museums in Prishtine work on Sundays. I invited a friend of mine for company, since she hadn’t visited it either. I guess we should be concerned with our historical knowledge a little. Anyways, visiting the Kosovo Museum went better than I had expected, and this is why.

To be honest, history in general doesn’t interest me that much. There, I said it. However, the history of Kosovo does. The moment I set foot inside the museum, I was fascinated. I witnessed Kosovo throughout different centuries through an exhibition. The Museum of Kosovo consists of two floors.

The first one is the archeological part, which is full of vessels, statues, stones and much more, that tell Kosovo’s history without even speaking. Walking around and enjoying all the elements of the Iron Age, Copper Age and even early Neolithic, a statue caught my eye. The main reason why was because it had the face of a woman. Her eyes, nose and lips were carved in a very detailed manner. It was mesmerizing, so I got closer to read about it. It was the bust of the Dardanian Goddess made from marble, in the 3rd century. Next to her, different jewelries from the 4th century were placed. Gold bracelet, golden ring, gold earrings, and a necklace with gold beads. So exciting to see elements of women from back then, because all these accessories are still used by women these days.

In a corner in the archeological part, a tomb made of bricks, from the 3rd century, was placed. The writing next to it described that the tomb was built with bricks bound with lime mortar and plastered from the inside. Apparently, within the tomb, the remains of a woman were found, buried along with glass and a necklace with golden beads.

The second floor of the museum consists of Kosovo’s history. Such a great opportunity to learn the story of how Kosovo became an independent state. However, one of the first things you will see when walking up the stairs, is a massive mosaic of Mother Theresa made from so many pieces of staples, truly impressive. It felt that in a way, that beautiful piece of art portrayed her beautiful soul.

Walking a little more into this part of the museum, in a corner, the Declaration of Kosovo’s Independence was placed, surrounded by flags of other countries that helped and acknowledged Kosovo as an Independent state. Looking at this view made me think of how far Kosovo has come. It’s a small place, but full of potential and people who are willing to make it even better.

You’re probably thinking, I can Google about Kosovo’s history and not be bothered to visit the museum. Well, I thought so myself, but here I am, knowing so much more about my country simply by visiting a museum full of archeological and historical elements that say so much about Kosovo.

Picture taken by: Orhidea Zeneli