History and Archaeology

History of Latvia

Research in Latvian medieval, early modern and modern history in archives and other document repositories, identification of previous research, processing of sources, presentation of research results.

Gvido Straube (gvido.straube@lu.lv; +371 67034992; https://www.lvi.lu.lv/en/)

History of Latvian ethnography (period of Soviet occupation)

Studies on development of the field of ethnography during the Soviet occupation, the role of ethnographers in the creation and maintenance of Soviet simulacra, their importance in the study and promotion of traditional cultural values ​​and in the creation of collections of ethnographic materials.

Displaying otherness (ethnographic and freak shows in the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century)

Research on the staging/performance of otherness carried out in 19th century Latvia, which was not part of a power-supporting foreign colony: routes, environments, peoples and stage characters on display, influences.

Archaeology

Organisation, execution, processing and collection of archaeological excavations.

Gvido Straube (gvido.straube@lu.lv; +371 67034992; https://www.lvi.lu.lv/en/)

Archaeological research (excavation, monitoring)

Organization of archaeological research (estimating work, drawing up a program, obtaining permission from the Administration of National Cultural Heritage). Research work involves conducting studies with our own inventory and team, preparing comprehensive reports, and disseminating results through participation in scientific or popular scientific public events, as well as in the form of written publications.

Rūdolfs Brūzis (rudolfs.bruzis@lu.lv; +371 26510765; https://www.lvi.lu.lv/en/)

Archaeology, prehistory, Stone Age, burial traditions

Research on Latvian and Northeuropean archeology, especially on the Stone Age and burial traditions in prehistory.

Interactions between humans and enironement/ animals in prehistory

Research on human and nature/animal interactions and relationships in prehistory.

Ancient technologies (jewelry and tool making) in prehistory

Research on how tools and jewelry were made in prehistory using experimental archeology methods.

Use of water resources in prehistory, fishing and the tools and materials used in the process

Studies of how water resources were used in ancient times, for example for food production and for transportation. Research of tools and materials used in these processes.

Archaeological excavations, archaeological survey

Conducting and leading archaeological excavations (field work), archaeological survey (searching for new archaeological sites).

Dendrochronological dating of historical wooden structures

Dendro-dating of historical wood, mainly involving preserved historic timber and art related wooden objects from Latvia. 

Historiography and auxiliary sciences of archaeology and Latvian history

Organisation of summer schools on historical and archaeological problems.

Bioarchaeology 

Studies of biological materials from archaeological sites using methods of archaeometry, stable isotope analysis of chemical elements and archaeological DNA analysis.

Osteology, zooarchaeology 

Identification and research of animal bones found in archaeological contexts.

Ethnography

Organisation of conferences on the history of Latvia and the Baltic region.