TOUCH THE PAST
Amatynas is an open workshop for experimental archeology and reconstruction of archeological artefacts.
It is a “museum” of ancient items with the opportunity to touch, experience, craft yourself and try history hands-on in practice.
At Amatynas, visitors have the opportunity to get familiar with the science of experimental archeology, the technologies of its artefacts and the entire production process. It is an "experience workshop" where visitors can make copies of archeological finds themselves (glass necklaces, leather goods, flint products, felt and more).
Gallery | workshop is located in a unique place of Vilnius Old Town - Karmelitų str. 3rd house, 16th century ancient vaulted cellar. Descending the old brick stairs, the gallery | workshop environment immediately takes its visitors back to the past, and the on-site craftsmen dressed in historical clothing and displaying crafts become their adventure guides.
The gallery also organises cultural, educational and experiential events. Chamber concerts of archaic music, open lectures and workshops, periodic educational classes for pupils, specialised lectures for students of the Faculty of History of Vilnius University.
Founders of the gallery - Club of Experimental Archaeology "Pajauta"
CRAFTSMEN
Algirdas Kalinauskas
Archaeologist Algirdas Kalinauskas had an inexplicable craving for various rocks from an early age. While in kindergarten, while the other children were playing, he found a few bigger and smaller stones to break them down and explore their contents. First tests the processing of flint took place after the first archaeological practice, during which the flint artefacts discovered raised the question - how did people who lived many thousands of years ago make them? Although production theory was more or less known, practice showed a completely different face. There was much blood shed and is still shed in the name of a better understanding of the man of the past and this specific craft. It is the goal of Algirdas.
Arūnas Puškorius
Archaeologist conservator dr. Arūnas Puškorius interest in old footwear began more than 20 years ago while still studying archeology at Vilnius University. While researching the finds, patiently searching for the ones belonging to a particular item among the many mixed details, the real construction, technology and materials used of the old items were gradually revealed. Two decades ago, little was known about the leather footwear of Lithuanian citizens in Lithuania. High-quality reconstructions were vital for various masters restoring old crafts. Such circumstances simply forced Arūnas to start making reconstructions of old leather footwear and practically delving into the old craft of shoemaker. It was the dissertation written about Lithuanian archeological leather footwear that became the theoretical basis from which the transition to the practical implementation of the accumulated knowledge was made. Reconstructions produced by Arūnas are based on long-term research data. All reconstructed 13th-17th century leather goods have a scientific basis, even leather playing balls, which Arūnas masterfully juggles in our workshops and events.
Austėja Luchtanaitė
Reconstructor archaeologist Austėja Luchtanaitė was born into a family of archaeologists. From an early age, time spent in research organized by parents predicted the career of an archaeologist for Austėja as well. In 2011 Austėja turned to her creative path and went to study the creative media industries in the UK. However, even at that time, archeology was not too far removed from Austėja's life. During her holidays, Austėja periodically participated in live history events in Lithuania and other European countries, and expanded her knowledge in the fields of experimental archeology and historical reconstruction. After studying abroad, Austėja returned to Lithuania and combined the acquired knowledge with the sciences of history and archeology, creating various film and television programs on the subject. 2019 Austėja graduated from Vilnius University with a master's degree in archeology, defending her master thesis on experimental archeology and historical reconstruction. Austėja continues to be actively involved in historical reconstruction and living history, expanding her knowledge in the field of experimental archeology. Austėja's goal is to make the public as interested and active in their past as possible.
Evaldas Babenskas
A jeweler-archaeologist or otherwise an archaeometallurgist. Evaldas' field of activity is interdisciplinary. As an archaeologist, he is well acquainted with the findings and their context. As a jeweler, he has virtuoso knowledge of jewelry production technologies. Archaeometallurgists are archaeologists who read the past from archaeological finds, usually metal jewelry. Archaeologists interpret the found objects, create a history for them, so the main field of activity is scientific. While experimenting, Evaldas makes copies of archeological jewelery. While working, he tries to understand the whole authentic production and seeks to reveal the process - with what tools the ancient man could work and various other nuances. The made item itself, its aesthetic appeal, is like a by-product of his work, although everyone usually enjoys it. Craftsman's specialization is the jewelry of old Lithuania, it is like a debt to the homeland - to make copies of Lithuanian artefacts and to popularize them, thus to popularize the history of the country as well. If you do well, beautifully, people start to take extra interest in the context. This is the biggest motivation for Evaldas.
Justė Bliujūtė
In 2000, archaeologist Justė Bliujūtė, reconstructed the technology of making archaic glass beads, which was forgotten and no longer used in our lands. During her studies, during her archeological practice, Justė was fascinated by the beauty of glassware. The first attempts to melt the glass took place using ordinary fireplace, melting glass bottles, shards and even the lamp covers. As we began to delve into the problems of glass processing and spread in the Baltic countries, the question inevitably arose - how were glass necklaces actually produced, what technologies were used? Numerous questions without clear answers, constantly spinning in my head, led to an experiment to try to reveal at least some of the secrets of glass. Numerous broken and failed necklaces, fire-burned fingers with even greater enthusiasm encouraged me to try again and again. Every failure asks more and more questions about ancient glass masters. Every success helps answer those questions. It is a slow and extremely sensitive process. But at the same time enchanting, magical, mysterious and, of course, extremely hot.
Marijus Mališauskas
Archaeologist Marijus Mališauskas reconstructs the ways of procuring, producing and storing food for the Iron Age travelers of the Baltic lands. Researches the production and consumption of beverages. He is also interested in the emergence of spices in our country, their exchange, trade routes, prices and the collection and storage of local spices. Not one of our hikes, events or festivals can do without Marius’ impressive skills in the kitchen, he never ceases to amaze us with new recipes, flavors and great combinations. Marijus has been participating in reconstruction festivals for a long time both in Lithuania and abroad, where he produces food in an archaic way, not only to satisfy the participants or guests of the event, but also to educate people. Marijus also produces authentic food for the impressive feasts of the Viking Age, the Late Iron Age and the early Grand Duchy of Lithuania period, his cultivated taste and thanks to the vast baggage of knowledge accumulated, even the greatest gourmets remain surprised.
Martynas Švedas
A graduate biologist, but much more at heart. Martynas has been interested in ancient leather products, leather processing and manufacturing techniques for more than a decade. Leather has been used very widely, which is why its products are plentiful. It is interesting not only to make them by choosing the right leather and tools, but also to test them in practice experimentally. Martynas himself tests his products during the hikes: leather shoes, a belt, a knife's sheath or a pouch - this is the only way to understand certain technological nuances and find answers to questions that archaeologists have no practical explanation for. Since Martynas is also engaged in the reconstruction of the warfare - he practically tests if shields skin is of the required thickness during the fight, how to tie the belt or leg wraps correctly, these seem to be small details but that may have cost a person's life in the past. Reconstruction of leather crafts, warfare, ancient songs together with the group of authentic folklore "Ugniavijas", hikes with friends - bring the ancestors' way of life closer - all this helps to understand many aspects of the past human life.
Povilas Zaremba
Archaeologist Povilas Zaremba is one of the most versatile members of our team. He is not only a great chef who can be entrusted with kitchen affairs during hikes and events without fear. Povilas has gained invaluable experience in demonstrating various crafts of historical periods at events, lifestyles and warfare, delving into archaeological, ethnographic and historical material related to the reconstruction of past lifestyles. In recent years, Povilas has been immersed in the production of felt and the reconstruction of felted goods, he insists on the subtleties of this craft, turning Amatynas' spaces into a real battlefield of soap foam from time to time.
EDUCATION
CONTACTS
Amatynas invites archaeologists, museologists and various public organizations to cooperate. If you have any ideas and would like to share them, please contact us by email: Austėja Luchtanaitė
For space rental for filming and photo sessions and other general questions, please contact us by email. amatynas@pajautaclub.lt
Address for correspondence: Karmelitų st. 3
LT - 01402 Vilnius, Lithuania
©2023 Pajauta. Pictures by Algimantas Vaičiūnas, Vytautas Luchtanas