Handmade by a Kaucminde Student

Rucava folk costume. Made by Vera Anna Uskalis (1921–2013) ca 1943 in Latvia.

This folk costume was made at the Kaucminde Home Economics Seminary, where Vera Anna Uskalis learned domestic and agricultural skills. Vera took the folk costume with her when she fled as a refugee during WWII. The folk costume and its owner first landed in a refugee camp in Greven, Germany, then eventually settled in Leeds, UK. The folk costume was later given to Vera’s niece, Zinta Uskale, who took it with her when she moved for a while to the Latvian centre “Abrene” in France. In 2015 the folk costume was brought back to Latvia.

Donated by Ilona Uskalis; from the collection of the Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre (LP2022.434).

Zinta Uskalis (on the right) wearing the Rucava folk costume made by Vera Uskalis in Northern England in the 1980s. Donated by Ilona Uskalis. From the collection of the Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre.