Aarne Michaël Tallgren, Estonia, and Tartu in 1920 : The image of a country in correspondence

The internationally renowned Finnish archaeologist Aarne Michael Tallgren (1885-1945) was appointed as the first professor of Estonian and Nordic archaeology at the University of Tartu in June of 1920, and he served as professor until the spring of 1923. What did Estonia, Tartu, and conditions there represent for him before he moved to Tartu? What was his idea of Estonia like, especially in relation to his identity? How and why did his view change during the autumn term of 1920? The article is based mainly on the correspondence between Tallgren and his parents and siblings at home. Tallgren's image of Estonia and Tartu, and of his own place in the community there, his attitude towards his duties as a professor, his concept of the possible development of Estonian society, and his relationship with his home during his Tartu period were formed in constant interaction with one other. Up to the autumn of 1920, Tallgren's image of Estonia was based on prehistory and some general stereotypes. His tour in the spring of 1920 made him think of Estonia as a part of his own field of work. His letters document a development process in the course of which Tallgren attempted to formulate his conception of his own duties and how he could carry them out. After settling in Tartu, Tallgren attempted to overcome the otherness Estonia represented for him by searching for features reminiscent of what he knew from home. He also tried to make his identity formation process seem as simple as possible, maybe to soothe the fears of his parents or to allow himself to settle down in a new environment. In any case, he apparently calmed down again during his first term as professor. This process may have been influenced by the stabilising political situation, the peace treaty between Estonia and Soviet Russia in February, and the parliamentary elections in November. Although a temporal relationship between the events can be seen, a causal one cannot be verified. Socially, Tallgren belonged to the community of Finnish professors in Tartu that included some Swedish professors, but like most other Finns, knowing the Estonian language meant that they did not withdraw into their own group but were able to establish and maintain contacts with local people as well. Tallgren's image of Estonia and Tartu was based on the context of his own life and professional background rather than on the events of the day. As an archaeologist and cultural historian, he sought historical explanations of what he saw and experienced around him. In the latter field it was crucial for his experience that he could convince himself and his siblings in Finland that the uncertainty he had felt about the circumstances in the spring had been unnecessary.Peer reviewe