The Kihnu Cultural Space

　　Proclamation: 2003

　　Member State(s): Estonia

　　Region: Europe-North America

　　Associated themes: Cultural spaces

　　Lying off Estonia's Baltic coast, the small islands of Kihnu and Manija are home to a community of 600 people whose cultural expressions and agricultural traditions have been kept alive over the centuries largely thanks to the island's female population. Since the island's initial settlement, the men of the Kihnu community have taken to the sea to hunt seals and fish, while the women have remained on the islands to farm and maintain the household. During the long absences of their husbands, sons and brothers, Kihnu women became the principal guardians of the cultural traditions embodied in numerous songs, games, dances, wedding ceremonies and handicrafts transmitted orally from generation to generation. Singing is an integral part of collective handicraft activities and the celebration of annual religious feasts such as St. John's Day (June 23), St. Catherine's Day (November 25) and Christmas. Particularly noteworthy among the musical repertory of the islanders is an oral tradition of pre-Christian origin, known as runic or Kalevala-meter songs.

　　The most visible emblem of Kihnu culture remains the woolen handicrafts worn by the women of the community. Working in their homes using traditional looms and local wool, the women weave and knit mittens, stockings, skirts and blouses, which often feature bright colors, vivid stripes and intricate embroidery. Many of the symbolic forms and colors adorning these striking garments are rooted in ancient legends, and these symbols often re-emerge in folk songs and poetry. In addition to its unique handicraft, oral and musical traditions, the Kihnu cultural space is distinguished by the interrelation of its rich cultural and natural heritage. On both islands, the characteristic landscape of semi-natural grassland, pine groves and coastal sands has remained relatively intact up to the present day.