Amatu maja "Rukisi"

The village of Leimaņi is found at the edge of the P27 highway between Birži and Ilūkste.  The village is at a crossroads where there was once a saloon in the early 20th century. 

The historical building is currently being occupied by the Akācija Plus organisation of local craftswomen.  There are thematic rooms in the building devoted to weaving, regional research, bread, household issues, antique objects and one room devoted to the age of Kārlis Ulmanis. 

Inita Lāce has chaired the Akācija Plus organisation for many years, and she has initiated many creative and social ideas.  Together with other women, Inita has put together a park of Latvian ornaments which features ethnographic Latvian signs. 

Guests will meet the craftswomen and see their work.  They will hear stories about the history of the homestead and the Leimaņi Parish, help to bake bread and then enjoy the fresh bread with lovage and pork.  Next there will be a tour of the park of ornaments.  Visitors will  have a chance to purchase woven textiles or apparel, as well as mats for the floor and for saunas.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at Rūķīši to learn about the Akācija Plus organisation;
• Preparation of loaves of bread and putting them in the oven to bake;
• A tour of the Rūķiši crafts house to learn about the history of the Leimaņi Parish, the work of weavers, regional research materials, antiquities and rooms;
• Tasting of bread, solving of riddles and chats over a cup of tea in the household room of the building;
• A tour of the Latvian ornament park, which contains an information stand and 11 ethnographic signs and symbols that have been made of oak by a local craftsman.  Each ornament has its own explanation and importance in Latvian mythology.  During holidays and events, the ornaments are lit up during the dark part of the day.