Vincas Svirskis

Place: Glitėnai

Born: 1835

Death: 1916

Biography:

Vincas Svirskis was a Lithuanian cross maker, sculptor, and folk artist. He was born on January 28, 1835, in Glitėnai, Lithuania, and died on March 7, 1916, in Rokiškis. Svirskis is considered the most prominent Lithuanian cross maker and is known for his intricate wooden crosses, altars, and roofed pole carvings. His works are part of the Lithuanian culture and are considered a symbol of the Lithuanian people. Svirskis's cross crafting has been recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. In 2017, cross-crafting and its symbolism in Lithuania was inscribed into The Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory of Lithuania as a form of folk art, traditional craftsmanship, or agricultural activities.