Archaeologia Baltica

The article studies history of formation and defines the main priorities in the activity of “the Union of the Ukrainian Professional Musicians in Lviv” during 1934–1939, in particular – in the activity of its performing section. New organizing methods in the preparation and conducting of the artistic events and formation of professional priorities and criteria have been characterized. Among more important aspects of “The Union of the Ukrainian Professional Musicians in Lviv” – organization of the thematic and jubilee concerts aimed at the active introduction of concert life in Lviv with the participation of the most brilliant Lviv composers and performers, organization and conducting of the performing contests, creation of music programs of the Ukrainian music on Lviv radio with the participation of the leading soloists-instrumentalists and chamber ensembles.

The paper discusses the expression of childhood images in the creative works of three outstanding Lithuanian directors with different creative visions. Its aim is to explore and characterise some of the traits of childhood expression in the productions of Rimas Tuminas, Oskaras Koršunovas, and Eimuntas Nekrošius, as well as to discuss potential influences on the formation of their world outlooks and creative styles. The paper presents the key motiffs of childhood that made an impact on the development of the directorial concept and stylistic expression in one or another production. The author seeks to disclose the opportunities of artistic transformation of the events, impressions, or traumatic situations experienced in the childhood in the creative work of directors of different generations.

The ability to measure public sector performance is a necessity for policymakers as well as academics and citizens of a country. This article aims to identify ways of measuring public sector performance using the measurement applicable to all countries and outlining opportunities for comparability among them. Thus, the authors highlight opportunities for performance measurement and public sector efficiency using various methods of non-parametric and parametric analysis. The starting point of the analysis considers the concept of performance, encompasses the proposed terms of productivity, efficiency and effectiveness; therefore, the measurement of public sector performance requires an exhaustive analysis in multidimensional terms, covering all core areas of a country. Moreover, understanding and developing robust international comparison possibilities will give in practice a structural framework for measuring the performance of particular relevance. Study findings indicate that performance measurement and implicitly public sector efficiency is a complex and difficult task that goes beyond simply measuring of productivity and efficiency, and requires aggregation of several key areas related to the results of a state. In summary, the analysis framework of the performance and efficiency of public sector is outlined both in terms of relevance of indicators and the methodology used. It demonstrates that methods of non-parametric analysis work at their best when all aspects of the production process can be captured in a limited number of input and output dimensions.

One of the more interesting rituals that functioned in Old Rus’ for centuries is the custom of cross kissing (крестноe целованиe), accompanying legal processes, such as taking oaths, public obligations, writing legal deeds, or concluding peace treaties. The earliest records of this ritual are evidenced clearly by the earliest chronicles and references in documents from that era. Due to the chronological structure and character of this work, which is clearly defined in the title of the article, the author’s attention is focused on the initial period of its functioning, until the end of the 13th century, in relation to contacts between Old Rus’ (Ruthenia) and Livonia. From Livonia, the parties participating in this ritual were Catholic bishops, Teutonic Knights, councillors from Livonian towns (Riga, Viljandi, Tartu and others), and even ordinary merchants. From Old Rus’, they were also participants in governments, merchants and warriors. From the historical sources, it can be stated here that the ceremony of kissing the cross was used quite commonly in legal acts between Old Rus’ and Livonia.

The paper presents the problem of archaeological, archaeozoological and anthropological interpretations of horse burials from the Roman Period cemeteries from the Bogaczewo Culture (Masurian Lakeland) territory. It is presented on the basis of the multidisciplinary research of the cemetery in Paprotki Kolonia located in the heart of Bogaczewo Culture territory.