Contribution short abstract:

Ethnographic insights into the contemporary uses of folk ornament in Latvia reveal a diverse scene of phenomena ranging from folkloresque manifestations to vernacular creativity. The presentation will explore the relations between folk, vernacular, and popular representations of ornament.

Contribution long abstract:

Ethnographic insights into the contemporary uses of folk ornament in Latvia reveal a diverse scene with creatively recycled elements from traditional culture, inspired by the romanticised past aligned with globally sourced ideas, functioning and flourishing in the conditions of a neoliberal consumerist economy. Apart from traditional practices such as textile production, woodwork, and pottery, folk ornament is used in design, domestic decor, fashion, tattoos, architecture, theme parks, and contemporary spirituality related practices. The diverse manifestations of folk ornament in contemporary culture range from folkloresque representations (Foster & Tolbert 2016) to vernacular creativity. In the presentation those will be explored through two examples of ornament use. First, the presentation will introduce folk ornament as part of the staged folk dance choreographies with a focus on its performances as nationwide identity manifestation at the Latvian Song and Dance festivals. Second, it will discuss themed ornament parks as a distinctive example of a vernacular creative engagement with ornament. Both of these practices are rooted in the specific interpretation of Latvian folk ornament – the ornament and mythology nexus – which refers to the combination of the geometric ornaments of Latvian folk art with mythological entities. In line with the questions proposed by the convenors of the panel, the presentation will discuss the relation between folk, vernacular, and popular representations of ornament in contemporary Latvian culture.

Foster, Michael Dylan, Tolbert, Jeffrey A. (eds.) 2016. The Folkloresque Reframing Folklore in a Popular Culture World. Utah State University Press.