On the
spotlight!
Artefact
GALLERY
Finally, we arrive at the thirteenth and last artefact of the first round of the Artefact Gallery initiative! Throughout this edition, we’ve explored unique craft pieces that reflect the rich traditions, techniques, and cultural heritage of our partner regions. Each artefact has offered a meaningful glimpse into the artistry and stories that shape these communities.
We’ll now take a short pause—but the journey doesn’t end here. The second round of the Artefact Gallery will return on May 19, bringing new pieces and fresh insights into Europe’s living heritage. Stay tuned!
#13 - ESTONIA
The final artefact of the first round of the Artefact Gallery initiative is the Põline Põlleline (Ancient Apron), a remarkable reconstruction that brings to life the ritual garments of 12th–13th century Estonia. Carefully selected by Kristi Jõeste, a lecturer in Estonian native textiles, and acquired by the University of Tartu, this piece draws on archaeological findings from Valjala, Saaremaa – particularly copper vessels discovered near the knees and thighs of a buried woman, which suggest the presence of a front apron.
Today, the Põline Põlleline transcends its original function, reimagined as a striking garment worn like jewellery or an accessory. Whether at formal events or on stage, it is meant to empower the wearer—offering strength, elegance, and a tangible link to ancestral heritage. Regardless of age or gender, anyone who values tradition can embrace this ancient apron as a living symbol of Estonia’s cultural identity.
WELCOME
The CULTURALITY project aims to promote cultural and creative tourism activities to aid the sustainable development of rural areas, encouraging job creation and population settlement. By researching the cultural heritage, including artisan material culture (techniques, materials, patterns, and decorative elements) and intangible culture (music, oral knowledge, and culinary traditions), the project will foster non-seasonal tourism. It will cater to local communities’ needs, focusing on at-risk groups like women, the elderly, and youth, involving international multidisciplinary teams specializing in digital heritage, research, communication and dissemination. The emphasis will be on constant collaboration and sharing of experiences to enhance collective knowledge and ensure optimal results.
how will we do it?
1
Establishing a collaborative network to promote cultural tourism in rural & remote areas through crafts & skills
2
Revitalising and economically developing local ecosystems through cultural tourism research activities linked to crafts
3
Embracing digital tools & technologies as a key platform to enhance productivity, visibility, and impact
4
Developing suitable stakeholder engagement tools & clustering actions
5
Promoting knowledge exchange and contributing to capacity building & p2p learning of local ecosystems as agents of change
Meet the partners
CULTURALITY brings together an international network of 13 organizations from 9 different countries with different backgrounds to tackle the current social, cultural, economic, and environmental challenges from rural & remote areas, raise awareness of the possibilities of cultural tourism and promote local communities as agents of change by providing a suitable framework for collaboration of the local ecosystems through training, peer to peer learning and knowledge exchange.
