A significant cultural milestone was reached in Montenegro with the presentation of a fototipic edition of the 15th-century “Cetinje Psalter.” This historic manuscript, published collaboratively by Matica crnogorska and the National Library of Montenegro “Đurđe Crnojević,” serves as a vital testament to the medieval spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
During the unveiling in Cetinje, Ivan Jovović, President of Matica crnogorska, emphasized the importance of the Cetinje Psalter as evidence that Montenegro’s medieval history extends beyond physical monuments. He noted that the early traces of the Montenegrin ancestors can be found in manuscripts written in Old Church Slavonic, highlighting a distinct linguistic and cultural expression.
According to Jovović, the Cyrillic texts from the medieval period play a crucial role in the cultural identity of Montenegro. He stated, “If we were to summarize the role of medieval Cyrillic texts in Montenegrin culture, we find a liturgical book that is a product of authentic practice developed under the Zeta Metropolitanate.” This contrasts with the Russian-influenced literature that permeated the Montenegrin Orthodox Church from the early 18th century.
While acknowledging that the Latin script is the oldest writing system in Montenegro, Jovović asserted that it is Cyrillic that has shaped the identity of the Montenegrin people since the 15th century. He also mentioned a smaller corpus of Glagolitic liturgical texts that contribute to the literary landscape of Montenegro. He concluded, “The publication of the Cetinje Psalter confirms that the book was not an incidental aspect of culture in Montenegro during the Middle Ages.”
The edition’s compiler, Ivan Ivanović, General Secretary of Matica crnogorska, highlighted the continuity of Montenegrin history, culture, spirituality, and statehood, evidenced by numerous historical artifacts. He pointed out that during the reign of the Balšić and Crnojević dynasties, critical processes in the evolution of Montenegro’s statehood and ethnographic identity occurred, solidifying the self-awareness of Montenegrins as a national community.
Historian Božidar Šekularac, who contributed a foreword to the fototipic edition, discussed the manuscript’s characteristics. He noted that a scriptorium and printing house operated in Cetinje during the Crnojević court period, suggesting that the Cetinje Psalter served as a model for local scribes and printers due to the similarity in content and style.
The presentation also shed light on the challenges faced by Montenegro’s historical manuscripts. Dragica Lompar, Director of the National Library, reminded attendees that the old manuscript and printed books from Montenegro’s medieval written heritage are among the most valuable aspects of its cultural history.
Lompar recounted the tumultuous fate of books in Montenegro, often subjected to destruction during wars and conflicts. She highlighted the role of Vuk Karadžić, a pivotal figure who, in the 19th century, sold many old books from Montenegro to collectors across Europe. Citing research by Evgenij Nemirovski, she revealed that Karadžić sold the first shipment of Montenegrin books, including the “Psalter with Services” from 1495, to a Russian historian for 75 rubles, a transaction emblematic of a broader pattern of literary loss.
The presentation of the Cetinje Psalter not only celebrates a remarkable artifact but also reaffirms Montenegro’s rich cultural narrative. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing historical texts that shape national identity and heritage.
