Ķoniņciems

The association “Kuršu brīvciemi” invites everyone interested in the history of the Curonian chiefs, their rich cultural heritage, traditional costumes, and remarkable ability to preserve their identity through the centuries. This is a unique opportunity to learn about a community that adapted to various powers and occupations without losing its pride, traditions, and distinctive way of life. Come and discover how the chiefs became an integral part of Latvia’s cultural story!

In historical sources, the term ”kuršu ķoniņš” (Middle Low German: curske konyngh) was first used in the Livonian branch of the Teutonic Order master Walter von Plettenberg’s record (Lehnsbuch) for Andrejs Peniķis, written on August 23, 1504. Until the end of the 18th century, this designation applied only to members of the Peniķis family and their settlement, Ķoniņciems. The word “chief” as a form of “king” (likely derived from Middle Low German) appears in Georg Mancelius’s Latvian sermon book, published in 1654.