Barumbari, Giren and Mgiebah - vernacular gems in oblivion

Abstract

In Barumbari, Giren, and Mġiebaħ – Vernacular Gems in Oblivion, Godwin Vella, head of curatorial affairs within Heritage Malta, examines three examples of vernacular architecture that attest to the rich agricultural heritage of the island but which are today often falling into ruins. Vella focuses on barumabari (dovecotes), giren (corbelled stone huts) and mgiebaħ (beehives), explaining their uses and identifying the location of a number of them. The author hopes that his paper will generate more interest in this overlooked aspect of Gozo’s rural heritage and lead to a full-scale gazetteer of these vernacular gems.