Sarkaņi: Weaving, Cultural History and Landscape

If you are considering Sarkaņi as a travel destination, different interests may influence your decision: textile work, cultural history or the landscape of Sarkaņu pagasts. Its cultural themes range from weaving and crafts to collections and exhibitions; the natural environment is a focus in its own right. You can tailor your trip to the theme that interests you most.

Weaving and Crafts

At the “Kalnagravas” weaving studio, work is carried out on looms more than 100 years old, made by the renowned Latvian loom master Pēteris Viļumsons. At the same time, warps are prepared for eight fabrics. This draws attention not only to finished textiles, but also to the preparations made at the loom. Sarkaņu Amatu skola offers kokle masterclasses, weaving, handicrafts and guided tours. If you would like to plan a particular activity, check the schedule in advance.

Collections and Cultural History

The ethnographic and social history collection of the Madona Local History and Art Museum is housed in Sarkaņi School, Kalna iela 2, Sarkaņi, Madonas novads. It comprises around 3,000 ethnographic objects. These include mainly tools and products from the crafts that were typical from the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century and reflect the traditions of the time. The collection thus connects material culture with social history across a long period. Unlike the work at the looms, the focus here is on historical objects and products.

An exhibition about notable people from the region features the writer Viktors Eglītis, musicologist Jēkabs Vītoliņš, conductor and composer Valdis Breģis, and actress Olga Dreģe. It therefore highlights cultural roles other than those associated with crafts. Another link to textile work is a shawl from Sarkaņu Amatu skola, which was also displayed in the “Radītprieks” exhibition at the XXVI Song and XVI Dance Festival.

Landscape in Sarkaņu pagasts

Sarkaņu pagasts lies in a transition zone between the Vestienas pauguraine upland and the Aronas paugurlīdzenums hilly plain. Kujas dabas parks is also located in the pagasts and is included in Latvia’s Natura 2000 network of specially protected natural areas. These two details shed light on different aspects of the natural environment: the first describes the location between two landforms, while the second gives the protected status of a specific park. This lets you distinguish between the broader landscape setting and the protected area as separate points of interest.

Latvian Traditions Across the Wider Travel Area

The “Libe” folk group offers a cultural connection beyond individual collections and workshops. It promotes Latvian traditions in Sarkaņu pagasts and Madonas novads and performs at events in different regions of Latvia. Its work therefore combines involvement in Sarkaņu pagasts and Madonas novads with performances in other parts of the country. Alongside the craft and historical themes, this offers an additional perspective on Latvian culture.

Discover more destinations: Tīrumskanuļi, Madona, Stalīdzāni, Cesvaine, Kalsnava, Bērzaune, Prauliena, Jaunlubāna.

For the overview of the wider travel area: Madonas Novads.