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LIFELONG LEARNING MULTILATERAL SCHOOL PROJECT

OLAINE SECONDARY SCHOOL No 12012

Handicrafts in Latvia

by Anželika SadovaOlaine Secondary School No1

2012

Types of handicrafts

BasketryAdornment makingWeavingKnittingCeramics

Basketry

Basketry is one of the original handcrafts, which began in the Neolithic Age and has provided the basis for a number of different handicraft skills. Not surprisingly, weaving from wicker and roots became an ancient craft in all regions of

Latvia.Today folk art basketry, thanks to its shapes, structure and

diversity, also displays artistic value outside its practical application.

Jewelery made of amber

• Neolithic tribes living on the shores of the Baltic Sea were already creating amber ornaments in various forms - pendants, beads and amber discs.

• It is a tradition to make neck rings, decorative pins, arm bands, rings, necklaces made of amber in silver frame.

Weaving

• Simple linen and woollen fabrics were woven in Latvia at the beginning of the present era.

• Women made clothing for all family by themselves and used homemade fabrics.

• Towels, coverlets, sheets, curtain, shawls, rugs were homemade as well.

Knitting

• In Latvia knitting became one of the earliest handicrafts.

• The first knitted mittens and gloves found here have been dated to the 15th century.

• Hand knitted gloves and socks are still the most traditional textiles, and one of the most esteemed gifts.

Ceramics

• The skill to create clay vessels already existed in Latvia thousands of years before the Christian era.

• Since Latvian potters have acquired techniques of glazing, pottery has become colourful and has been decorated by different ornaments.

All these goodies you can buy in Latvian fairs or tourist shops.

Thank you for attention !