Amatniecibas centrs "Rume"

The village of Zasa originated at the estate of Baron Zass.  The pride of the village is the lovely landscape park of the estate with foreign trees and stands of oak.  The little Dzirnupīte River flows through the park with little bridges, islands and places to relax. 

Rūme is a place where creative craftspeople from Sēlija can gather.  An impressive log building with a reddish tiled roof offers people who know a great deal about Sēlija, still speak Selonian, wear Selonian folk costumes and are proud of the prickly and revolutionary nature of Selonians.  These craftsmen preserve traditions and honour spiritual heritage.  They offer things that are appropriate for modern homes and people. 

Daina Alužāne originated the crafts centre.  She also established the "Sēlija Islands" tourism network for the local community, and she brings together craftspeople from the nearby area.  Anda Svarāne is a well-known artist in the field of ceramics and an art teacher.  Daughter Ieva also takes part in the process.  The two women produce traditional dishware that is based on ancient pottery traditions, as well as modern designs.  They mostly work with white clay, and their glazes offer the silvery and grey foggy mornings of Sēlija, as well as the lichen of the local swamps.  Aivars is a carpenter and leatherworker who uses ancient tools and modern technologies in his work. 

Visitors to the craftspeople centre will help to prepare a Selonian meal, hear the living Selonian language, test their abilities at making leather bracelets and ceramicware, and learn about the archaeological costumes of Sēlija.

THE PROGRAMME:

• Arrival at Rūme to meet the owners and tour the crafts centre;
• Preparing a meal in locally produced clay pots which are put in the oven so that they ensure a proper sauté while guests are engaged in other activities;
• Making leather bracelets under the supervision of the master craftsman;
• Learning about the work of ceramicists and potters along with a story abut how clay magically turns into a sonorous and durable dish.  Watch as a lump of clay is turned into a cup, pot or bowl.  Look into the depths of the kiln, and purchase some of the finished dishware;
• A review of archaeological costumes and their history, learning about how the apparel was worn.  There are local folk costumes, and Marta from Aizupieši or Vallija Slate will visit the granary of the young ladies.
• A meal with conversations.