Sydney Handicrafts and Ethnography Circle | SESKKE Käsitöö ja Etnograafia Ring
The Sydney Eesti Seltsi Kunsti ~ Käsitöö ja Etnograafia Ring (SESKKE) is a celebration of creative minds who share a deep passion for keeping Estonian handicraft traditions, designs, and stories alive in Sydney and across Australia. Through their projects, workshops, and cultural initiatives, they ensure that Estonian heritage continues to thrive and connect generations of Estonians abroad.
SESKKE has a long history of running events and workshops that bring Estonian culture to life. Some of their ongoing projects include the Rahvariide Library, the Photography & Digital Archives Project, and the Calendar Project. They also host a wide variety of workshops, ranging from Mulgi embroidery and pirukad-making, to folk costume shirt-making in collaboration with the Sydney Virmalised dance group, passing on their knowledge and skills to the wider Estonian community.
The Rahvariide Library
The Rahvariide Library is a remarkable initiative dreamed up by Maie Pikkat years ago, and it continues to grow with the generosity of the community. The collection now includes a rich variety of Estonian folk costumes, which are used at cultural events across Australia.
One highlight is Sõrve, the Estonian Children’s Summer Camp, where participants proudly wear the costumes during the cultural afternoon, helping children feel a direct connection to their heritage. In 2025, the Estonian Ambassador Jaan Reinhold described the library as the largest collection of Estonian folk costumes he had seen outside of Estonia, a moment of pride for SESKKE. The Kooskõlas choir also frequently borrow costumes from the library to wear during their performances of classic Estonian songs.
Photography & Digital Archives Project
Another treasured initiative is the Photography and Digital Archives project, started by Mai Buchert. Over the years, Estonian folk costumes have been carefully photographed and documented, creating a growing digital archive. This collection captures the unique ways Australian Estonians wear and combine their folk costumes today, preserving traditions for future generations.
The Calendar Project
The Photography and Rahvariide projects together sparked the Calendar Project. The first calendar, published for 2025, featured photographs from the archives, including costumes donated to the library. The project was such a success that the Estonian Ambassador personally requested it be continued for 2026—a request SESKKE was more than happy to fulfil.
Workshops
SESKKE runs workshops throughout the year, sharing traditional skills in hands-on ways. Upcoming workshops include:
- Mulgi Embroidery Workshop – October 2025
- Pirukad-Making Workshop – March 2026
These sessions are an opportunity not just to learn, but to connect, share, and celebrate our heritage together. See below for information.
