Experimental Archaeology in Latvia and the World: Traditions and Innovations
On October 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., the second International Scientific Conference on Experimental Archaeology will take place at the “Ritums” Cultural and Folk Art Centre. The theme of the conference is “Experimental Archaeology in Latvia and the World: Traditions and Innovations.”
In two thematic sessions, participants will discuss the use of experimental methods in archaeology, traditional culture, and cultural history research.
The first session will focus on experiments related to textiles, clothing, and ethnographic objects, while the second session will address challenges and innovations in Latvian and international research — including experiments in iron smelting, reconstructions of Inuit sewing techniques, and cremation practices in Aegean prehistory.
After the concluding discussion, conference participants and guests are invited to attend practical demonstrations of prehistoric technologies, led by members of the Latvian Archaeoclub.
The International Scientific Conference on Experimental Archaeology “Experimental Archaeology in Latvia and the World: Traditions and Innovations” is an interdisciplinary platform aimed at promoting dialogue between practitioners and theorists, as well as sharing knowledge about ancient and prehistoric technologies and skills, and their significance in contemporary science. The experimental method makes it possible to reconstruct and test lost ancient skills, knowledge, materials, and processes, thus creating new understandings of the past.
The conference is organized by the Latvian Archaeoclub in cooperation with the “Ritums” Cultural and Folk Art Centre, with the support of the Riga City Municipality and the international organization EXARC.
Researchers and practitioners from Latvia, Estonia, Greece, and Germany will participate in the event.
Facebook event link here
The full program of the International Scientific Conference on Experimental Archaeology “Experimental Archaeology in Latvia and the World: Traditions and Innovations” is available on the websites of the “Ritums” Cultural and Folk Art Centre at www.ritums.lv