Reading the Bible, Preserving the Precious Text: Latvian Peasant Metal-Clad Bindings

Abstract

Religious books were an important part of a Latvian peasant's daily life during the mid- to late nineteenth century. From the physical evidence, these books were heavily used and became well worn. When originally bound, or following rebinding, the peasants applied metal furniture to the covers of the books as a practical measure to protect them from wear and tear. They infused the metal with designs and motifs familiar to them from everyday life. This adornment personifies the respect the peasants felt for their religious books — Bibles, hymnbooks and collections of sermons. As well, the designs mirror motifs as seen in folk arts, such as embroidery, jewellery, and furniture. Finally, the metal served a utilitarian purpose: to protect and preserve the book. These metal-clad bindings are known only in Latvia. They were produced in a particular part of the country and during a limited span of time, and are unique in bookbinding history.