New Book on Montenegrin Stone Masonry to Be Launched in Podgorica

A new publication titled “Tragom crnogorskih klesara” will be unveiled on November 18, 2023, at 18:00 in Podgorica. The book, authored by Slobodan Čukić, a publicist and editor at the daily newspaper Pobjeda, explores the rich tradition of stone masonry in Montenegro. The launch will take place at the Matica Crnogorska premises located on Beogradska Street, with Dragana Erjavšek leading the discussion with the author.

This comprehensive and richly illustrated edition delves into the historical significance of Montenegrin stone masons. The first part of the book focuses on the art of dry stone construction, tracing its roots back to the arrival of the Romans in the region. Čukić emphasizes how this method has become a distinctive feature of rural stone masons throughout Montenegro.

In the second part, the author examines gravestones from the period between 1878 and 1941, showcasing a variety of naive artistic representations. These include portraits of the deceased, depictions of churches, crucifixes, insignias, weaponry, saints, angels, birds, and even snakes, along with opulent floral and geometric decorations, culminating in blind arcades.

The book has been edited by Marko Špadijer, with the publisher’s signature provided by Ivan Jovović, the president of Matica Crnogorska. Released as part of the “Tragovima prošlosti” series, it spans 236 pages and features numerous photographs and illustrations, primarily taken by Čukić during field research.

Slobodan Čukić, born in 1964 in Peć, holds a degree in philosophy from the Faculty of Philosophy in Nikšić. His career includes stints at Radio Montenegro and the daily newspaper “Vijesti,” where he served as a cultural editor and later as the editor of the Archive and Science sections. Since September 2015, he has been with Pobjeda as the editor of the Feljton and Archive sections.

Čukić is a member of Matica Crnogorska, the Dukljanska Academy of Sciences and Arts, and the Montenegrin PEN Centre. His previous works include essays and themes across various topics, ranging from philosophy and political science to film criticism and historical-ethnological essays. Notable publications include “Izdaja o kojoj se ćutalo cijeli vijek” (2016), “Podgorički brevijar” (2018), “Početak srpske okupacije – komitska borba i narodna golgota 1918–1920” (2019), “Iz dubina lješanske prošlosti” (2019), “Od Podgorice ka Cetinju – Stara Crna Gora s istoka” (2021), and “Zmije na pravoslavnim grobljima u Crnoj Gori” (2024).

Originally scheduled for November 6, the promotion was postponed in observance of a national day of mourning declared by the government following the tragic deaths of 11 individuals in a retirement home in Tuzla.