EXHIBITION: The story of Amber through the Times is shown at Museums in Riga in Latvia
This year Riga in Latvia with its remarkable medieval city-centre is one of two European capitals of Culture. In connection with this large exhibitions on the history of Amber and the Baltic trade will be shown. As yet it is not quite clear how the different exhibitions are connected,
Amber through the Times
Amber through the Times is the title of an exhibition at the Natural Museum of Latvia. The exhibition, which is also a permanent display at the Natural History Museum of Latvia, tells a story about the most unique natural resource found in Latvia — amber. It covers such topics as formation of amber, its characteristic forms and wide range of colours, amber inclusions, fossilised tree resins throughout the world and their deposits, as well as threads made of this material. The exposition also reveals the story about processing of the Baltic amber, its use in jewellery, imitations, and use for technical purposes: pressed amber, succinic acid, its byproducts, etc.
Contemporary Jewellery
Amber in Contemporary Jewellery is an international contemporary jewelry exhibition. It is organized by the Art gallery PUTTI within the European Capital of Culture „Rīga 2014” and the framework „Amber Vein”. The core idea of the exhibition is to demonstrate the possible range of application of amber in the contemporary art jewellery created by professional jewellers.
Amber, Latvia’s precious stone
Stories about Amber, Latvia’s precious stone is the title of a new film-series telling the stories of the Latvians and their love-affair with amber. Many Latvians might think of the amber as some jewelry pieces such as beads or brooches, their grannies used to put on. Some might also recognize amber souvenirs, which can be bought in the gift shops in Old Riga. However, Latvia has an ancient and much more exiting relationship with this jewel. A new TV series called “Dzintara pusē” (“On the side of the amber”) will be broadcasted in 2014 dedicated to the history of the ancient roots of amber. Part of the film will tell the story of an expedition which was mounted to explore the ancient Amber Route. In connection with this a team of experts conducted an expedition along the 1700-km ancient trade route passing through seven European countries – the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. From Prague to Zurich, they searched for the influence of Baltic amber on the places along the ancient trade route. At the same time, they formed contacts with the scientists, directors of museums, and individuals interested in the history of amber to prepare for closer collaboration. This expedition was meant to kick off a stronger cultural collaboration between the cities along the ancient Amber Road, thus shedding greater light on the history of Europe and the common cultural heritage.
Amber – Myth and Science
Amber – Myth and Science and the cluster of its accompanying events will shed light on the relationship between men and from the time, when the Baltics was a mythical territory. What did Avicenna, Tacitus, and Pliny write about amber and how was it used by Baltic tribes? Amber today and contribution of Latvian scientists to its research and elaboration of new products; exhibits from museums in Latvia and – around the world; the prism of amber will be the mode of demonstrating our emergence in the processes of European cultural and economic exchange.
WHERE:
Amber through the Times
Natural History Museum of Latvia
Krišjāņa Barona iela 4, Riga
15.01.2014 – 31.12.2014
Amber in Contemporary Jewellery
Art gallery PUTTI
Mārstaļu iela 16, Riga (Old Town)
23.05.2014 – 02.08.2014
Amber – Myth and Science
Riga Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine
Antonijas iela 1,
Rīga, LV-1360
15.04.2014 – 15.10.2014
