The Creation of Ethnicity: National Costume as Reconstruction or Construct?

Abstract

Since its development at the end of 19th century, Latvian national costume has become a symbol of national identity. The task of this article is to trace how the publications of ethnographers during the 20th century shaped the view of Latvian national costume. The appearance of national costume was influenced by the growing knowledge of the national cultural heritage. Although national costume resembling ethnographic examples was recognized as highly authentic, in reality it was a reconstruction created by museum staff and other ethnographic researchers. The public demand for practical publications which could be of use in making national costume hindered more profound research into the history of national costume. Key words: national costume, ethnography, renewed tradition, national symbols.