Publication 'Family Coats of Arms in Contemporary Latvia' (2020)
The book 'Family Coats of Arms in Contemporary Latvia' (2020) is a unique publication about heritage and the identity signs - coats of arms - of Latvian families. The two-part edition illustrates the history of family coats of arms in the territory of Latvia from ancient times to the present day.
First book- 'Family Coats of Arms'
A theoretical and scientific publication containing descriptions and images of the coats of arms of 97 Latvian families, and 7 religious’ leaders. Such an edition has been published for the first time in the history of Latvian heraldry. The book also provides a dictionary of heraldic terms.
Second book- 'Generations & Coat of Arms'
The book includes stories from 60 families, who reveal their reasons for creating a family coat of arms, the emotional significance and practical application of it.
Editorial board
Ramona Umblija
the author, editor, and content creator of the concept of the book
Jekaterina Belokoņa
the project manager and co-author of the book
Imants Lancmanis
latvian art historian and heraldry specialist
Armands Vijups
historian and
heraldry specialist
Daina Teters
philosopher, an international expert in semiotics
Valērijs Belokoņs
A majority shareholder of 'Baltic International Bank', Patron of Latvian literature
Laimonis Šēnbergs
Chairman of the National Heraldry Commission
Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga
former President of
the Republic of Latvia
The documentary film 'Family Coat of Arms in Contemporary Latvia'
The documentary film 'Family Coat of Arms in Contemporary Latvia' was created at the same time as the book by conducting video interviews with representatives of the editorial board and stories of the families that have chosen to capture their family values in the coat of arms.
The film is a cultural, historical, and emotional testimony to the beginnings of creating family coat of arms in Latvia. The film reflects the meaning and essence behind family coat of arms on an individual and societal level. The film also provides an insight of the artistic complexity of creating a coat of arms.
Publisher
In collaboration with
Facts about the publication and snapshots from the production
The task of creating and publishing both books was complex and time-consuming. While working on the content of the publication, a significant amount of information was collected and compiled. People, families, and communities from all over Latvia were involved in the creative process.
The creation of this publication took almost three years. The work behind the books was thoroughly documented in photographs and videos, thus capturing both the process of editorial board meetings and the joy and laughter during family gatherings.
The gathering of Latvian families (2018)
The gathering of Latvian families (2019)
Editorial board meeting (2019)
Editorial board meeting (2020)
