Viru Prison inmates weave belts sold by Estonian National Museum

Inmates at Estonia’s Viru Prison have taught themselves to weave traditional kirivöö belts, and their work is now being sold by the Estonian National Museum, ERR reported.

The project was launched to provide work for prisoners with limited freedom of movement inside their cells. Prison staff decided that weaving kirivöö belts would be suitable, and the looms were also made at the prison.

One inmate learned to make the belts a year ago using a book and video tutorials. He now teaches other prisoners.

“It is like jewellery-making: it requires concentration, precision and patience,” said Taavi Puusepp, a unit manager at Viru Prison.

The prison asked the Estonian National Museum to assess the belts. The museum’s Folk Culture and Information Centre also provided advice.

Liina Kuzemtšenko, the museum’s head of sales and services, said the belts met the quality standards set by its review committee.

“The belts in the shop are truly top-level. It is surprising that they have made them so authentically,” said museum curator Külli Valk.

The prison plans to sell more of the inmates’ belts through the online shop of the prison entrepreneurship centre once it opens.

“A kirivöö is not simply an object. It carries Estonia’s story, and it also carries one person’s opportunity to change their story for the better,” Puusepp said, adding that the project supports inmates’ work habits, return to society and the preservation of heritage.

Five inmates at Viru Prison are currently weaving kirivöö belts.