An Exhibition on the Life of the Gauja River Raftsmen
In the spring of 2022, a unique exhibition about the Gauja raftsmen was displayed in Sigulda. The Gauja has long been one of the main routes for transporting timber in Latvia. This occupation—floating timber downstream—is included in Latvia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List and has also been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO list; therefore, the exhibition provides an opportunity to learn about this history and the nation’s cultural heritage. At the exhibition, visitors can learn about the history of timber rafting, view an authentic tail raft cabin and its furnishings, and try their hand at tying rafts and other raftsmen’s skills—pinching, edging and pole handling.
The exhibition was created by raftsman Māris Ansis Mitrevics, who himself spent several summers working on the river.
Further information can be found at: https://tourism.sigulda.lv
