Lithuanian and Latvian artefacts in exile (literary representation)

The article draws on artefact studies in order to introduce the notions of artefact, mentifact, and sociofact to the field of Lithuanian literary studies as well as to explore the functions, shifts, and transformations the artefacts undergo in Lithuanian and Latvian émigré prose. It is possible to identify, in exile fiction, different kinds of cultural artefacts, starting from tangible objects (memorabilia, souvenirs) and indicators of national landscape (tree, stone, river), going on to sociofacts like festivals and national holidays (Midsummer, Christmas, Pentecost, February 16) as well as social and cultural gatherings (literary readings, celebrations, weddings, song festivals), and ending with the mentifacts that consist of a nation’s mental structures. The author concludes that the superficial level of signals and signs is inefficient if it just tries mechanically to recreate the national atmosphere; only those artefacts can be effective that help to evoke a more abstract and deeper feeling of Lithuanianness or Latvianness