PATTERN

Cloths and patterns

A review of Lithuanian historiography makes it obvious that Lithuanian textile art has been investigated in two ways: as folk art works, and as ethnographic objects. Paulius Galaunė, Anastasija and Antanas Tamošaitis, Mikalina Glemžaitė, Juozas Balčikonis, Giedrė Tallat-Kelpšaitė-Niunkienė, Marija Miliuvienė, Vida Kulikauskienė, Stasė Bernotienė, and Regina Merkienė, all engaged in textile investigations, have greatly contributed to Lithuanian culture. The two above mentioned ways of investigation were co-ordinated during an investigation of weaving methods, fibre and the artistic value of textiles. There is much material on the quality of textiles, but so far little has been said about different patterns. Authors in the 19th century described the significance of crafts in different localities and the social position of weavers in Lithuania. Researchers in the 20th century mostly investigated fabric peculiarities as material culture issues. They referred mostly to statements of positive philosophy. The characteristics, perception, symbols, and cultural identity features of textile creation were not given due attention and properly revealed.