Academic Centre
Textiles and clothing hold a foundational place in human history, touching upon economics, technology, travel and transportation, employment, social roles, mythology, religion, environmental interactions, moral and behavioural norms, ecology and climate, and more. Textiles offer a lens through which we can view developments in trade, industry, cultural identity, and ecological impact over time. Here, "clothing" encompasses not only garments but also footwear and accessories, acknowledging the full breadth of material culture within the field.
This conference unites scholars and researchers from diverse disciplines who explore the textiles and clothing of Northern and Eastern Europe, covering a chronological span from the earliest known textiles to the middle of the 20th century. With a specific focus on the cultural, economic, and technological heritage of Northern and Eastern Europe, this event will highlight the regional distinctiveness of textile production, use, and symbolism across various historical periods. By fostering dialogue across disciplines, this conference aims to deepen our understanding of the role textiles have played across centuries in Northern and Eastern Europe, illuminating the complex cultural tapestry of the past through this essential facet of human history.
Those interested in joining the conference on Zoom, please register here. by February 18, 2025. You will receive an email with a Zoom link on the day before the conference. It will also be possible to follow the live broadcast of the conference on the Facebook page of the Institute of Latvian History (LU Latvijas vēstures institūts).
This conference is organized in conjunction with the annual International Scientific conference of the University of Latvia, and we aspire to establish a tradition of regular international conferences on the textile histories of Northern and Eastern Europe and neighboring regions. We also intend to publish a digital collection of abstracts, which will be made accessible to promote continued scholarly engagement and to serve as a resource for future research.
The conference is organized by:
Ieva Pīgozne, University of Latvia
Anete Karlsone, University of Latvia
Riina Rammo, University of Tartu
Meghan Anne Korten, University of Iceland
