As we approach the year 2017, which were announced the Year of National Costume in Lithuania, Vilnius University Folklore Ensemble "Ratilio" published a book-album.
National costumes are one of the nation's and the state symbols of ethnic identity and national culture. This book vividly reveals the uniqueness of each Lithuanian ethnic region's traditional costume. Expressive photographs show the beauty of ethnic clothing, of patterns and colors.
The book describes the historical folklore ensemble "Ratilio" costume change witnessed by former ensemble members both in Lithuanian and English languages. Pictures, divided into 6 sections (Archaeological clothing, Highland (Aukštaitija), Samogitia (Žemaitija), Lithuania Minor, Dzūkija and Suvalkija regional costumes), depicted full costumes and their special details, showcased by the current ensemble members and taken by a professional photographer Natalija Ranceva.
This publication aims to encourage communities to take pride in their ethnographic regional identity, origin and traditions, to attract young people to take interest in and foster a unique regional culture, especially Lithuanians living abroad. Also, this book-album will be very educational for foreigners - it can be a wonderful gift.
Compiled by Milda Ričkutė and Natalija Ranceva
Author of the artistic reconstruction of archaeological costumes, archaeologist Dr. Daiva Steponavičienė
Lithuanian ethnographic costume reconstruction authors: Danutė Keturakienė, Dalia Zagnoj, Danutė Tamošaitienė, Rūta Kučinskienė, Bronė Zadojenkienė, Virginija Markevičienė
Photographer Natalija Ranceva
Text authors: Milda Ričkutė, Daiva Steponavičienė
Photographed in the Lithuanian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum in Rumšiškės
The project is partially financed by the Lithuanian Council for Culture and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.
The book was published by PI "Akademinė leidyba", 2016.
ISBN 978-9955-33-701-0
UDK 391 (474.5) (084) Ri31
Hardcover, color illustrations, 104 pages.
Dimensions: H 24,5 cm, W 17,4 cm, T 1,1 cm.
The book is being sold in these bookstores in Lithuania.
The book is distributed by the Vilnius University Center of Culture. Contact for more info.
