Svilpaunieks is made of Latgalian red clay which is told to be one of the best in the world. It gives the bird its copper colour. By linking the sky with the earth and the air with the water, svilpaunieks' song comes to life with three different tones. Just place it to your lips and let the song enchant you.

I dedicated this svilpaunieks to my little daughter Anna. I feel inspired by ducks as they symbolise freedom. They can swim the waters, walk the earth and fly high up in the sky. I wish everyone to let the positive thoughts from the duckling bring back the joyful memories of the mischievous world of our childhood.

I am svilpaunieks - a rooster from the Vidzeme Highlands' city Madona. The legend tells the tale of the city's name originating from the word "wake up" (modināt) and earlier the only wakeup call came from the rooster. So, in keeping with the tradition I wake up people for a new day, new tasks and challenges.

When I was little I saw a film about Latgalian ceramics and to this day I still remember the scene with a little boy playing svilpaunieks. 20 years later I, already as a potter, saw the film again and recognised my teacher – the little boy with the whistle. Let the svilpaunieks bring you array of pleasant surprises!