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Latvian silver-coloured metal brooch with amber coloured bead

Object type
Brooches

Object number
1990.0047.0006

Description
Silver coloured metal brooch, with a heart shape punched through the centre crossed by a swinging pin. The brooch has a small amber coloured bead set in the top centre. Three small bell shapes hang from the base.

Collection name
Guna Kinne collection no. 1

Collection statement of significance
The Guna Kinne Collection no 1 comprises objects which make up a Latvian woman’s national costume including blouse, waistcoat, skirt, headdress, bonnet and brooches. Guna Kinne made the outfit over a period of 30 years, starting work on it as a sewing project while a schoolgirl in Riga in 1942, completing the jacket as she fled Latvia at the end of the Second World War, final touches were made to the costume after she migrated to Australia. As she fled her homeland, she took the unfinished costume with her, together with some clothes and photographs. She later wore the costume at a dance in a displaced persons camp in Germany, the day she met her future husband.

Mrs Kinne's experiences are representative of post-war Latvian migration to Australia. After World War Two, the Australian Government adopted a new immigration policy which encouraged European emigration to Australia to boost a low population. By 1952 almost 20,000 Latvians had come to Australia as part of the program. Many, including Mrs Kinne, participated in Latvian community organisations formed to help maintain cultural activities and provide mutual social support as emigrants adapted to life in their new country. Mrs Kinne and her husband Arturs arrived in 1948 and settled in Maffra, Wangaratta and then Melbourne in Victoria. Mr Kinne attempted to make a living through his wood carving and used his skills in dairy production while Mrs Kinne continued her artistic skills through colouring photos as paid employment and painting as a hobby.

Wearer
Mrs Guna Kinne
Won by her at a Latvian church bazaar in Wangaratta.

Place worn
Wangaratta, Victoria, Australia

Place worn
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Period of use
1957 - 1975
Approximate

Materials
Metal - non specific, Gemstone - non specific

Dimensions
Width: 28mm
Height: 65mm
Depth: 10mm

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