JULY EVENTS AT SALOI II ETHNOGRAPHIC VILLAGE
Do you know how the people of the Aukštaitija region lived? We invite you to experience living history in the Salų ethnographic village (Linkmenų eldership, Ignalina district) – the Aukštaitija homestead of the Lithuanian Ethnographic Museum. This village is a branch of the museum that presents the traditional architecture and lifestyle of Aukštaitija.
We invite you to three lively meetings – July 3–5, 10–13, and 25–27! Here we will open the door to the past: you will get to know old customs, traditions, architecture, crafts, and handicrafts. Most importantly – you will be able to try everything yourself!
What awaits you?
July 3–5 (12:00–18:00):
Net weaving and spinning
· The old crafts of Aukštaitija – net weaving and spinning – will be revived in the village of Salų. These works are not only a part of everyday life, but also a reflection of the history of the community. Net weaving is inseparable from fishing traditions, which are especially important for communities living near lakes. Spinning is a craft that accompanied every village woman. Threads spun from hemp, flax or wool were turned into clothes, tablecloths, and towels.
· Conversations with Dr. Rasa Bertašiūtė, a cultural heritage specialist at the Lithuanian Museum of Ethnography, about the architectural features of Aukštaitija villages and homesteads, the uniqueness of rural communities. Consultations on the management and restoration of old buildings: advantages, risks, mistakes, discoveries and joys.
July 10–13 (12:00–18:00):
Secrets of tar propulsion
"A spoonful of tar spoils a barrel of honey" - many of us have probably heard this proverb. But have you ever wondered how tar is actually made? How was it useful for the old village, where and for what was it used, what is its smell?
During this education, another old craft will be revived in the village of Salų – tar distillation, accompanied by a lively story, presentation of exhibits, creative tasks and, of course, a fragrant result – a real tar souvenir.
In the theoretical part you will learn: • What tar is and how it is extracted • When and why people started using it • The role of tar in everyday life, crafts, health and even customs – for example, in the Midsummer rites • You will see exhibits related to tar
In the practical part: • You will get to know birch tar – the main raw material for tar • You will observe and participate in the tar distillation process: – a metal box is filled with tar, sealed with clay, loaded with firewood and placed on a special tabletop – a container is placed under it to collect the tar
– a fire is lit, which is burned for about 20–30 minutes • While the tar is boiling – we will create and solve riddles • After the tar burning is over, you will see what is left of the toshie and how the collected tar is poured into small, airtight containers.
July 25–27, 12:00–18:00:
Wicker weaving
One of the oldest crafts – wickerwork – will be revived in the village of Salai. Wickerwork has long been an integral part of the village people's daily lives – baskets, wickerwork, and household utensils were used to store and transport food and items, or even decorate homes.
We invite you to get acquainted with the sedge - a special plant that produces strong, flexible wicker and fiber. You will learn what wicker items were used for in the past, how their purpose has changed over the years, and what sedge is useful for today.
In the practical part you will be able to:
· woven from sedge wattles and fiber,
· get to know weaving materials,
· learn how to split sedge sticks with a cleaver,
· thin the fiber ribbons.
The most patient and creative will be able to weave a skein - a small woven item - or make a bird out of fiber - a symbolic handmade creation.
Why is it worth coming?
The Salai Ethnographic Village is not only an architectural heritage, but also a living and open field of cultural knowledge, inviting you to return to the past and remember what it means to create everyday life with your own hands.
The entrance is open. We are waiting for you!
