The History and Culture of Diaspora

Lithuanian Medalry Traditions in the Diaspora

Abstract

Medals are works of small sculpture that commemorate individuals or events of importance to states or organizations. They can be given for an award of merit or simply for memory. The beginning of Lithuanian medalry can be traced back to the 16th century, when medals began to be minted at the Vilnius Mint. However, the national history of Lithuanian medalry began in the United States of America. It was in the diaspora that the first medals in the Lithuanian language and the first Lithuanian medals of award and remembrance were created. This article presents various Lithuanian commemora
tive medals created in the diaspora and reveals unknown or forgotten facts about their creation – themes, artists, production dates, manufacturers, editions, and purposes.
Commemorative medals in the diaspora were mainly intended to promote patriotism and cherish memory of the lost homeland. A large part of the medals were produced thoughtfully, adjusting to the dates or events important to Lithuania. Often, the distribution of medals was also aimed at raising funds for various ideas. The issuance of medals in the diaspora was initiated by private individuals, heads of organizations or board members. Medals were usually created by Lithuanian artists who had completed their studies in Lithuania or had acquired art knowledge in other Lithuanian or foreign schools. In the diaspora, medals were replicated solely by minting and this work was carried out by various private and public mints.
In 1920, the first traditional-looking Lithuanian commemorative medal was minted in the USA, dedicated to the commemoration of the proclamation of Lithuania’s independence. At the same time, it was the first medal of its kind with inscriptions in Lithuanian.