The mighty oak tree was reborn as an impressive work of art.
A few years ago, a storm toppled a 350-year-old oak tree growing near the Vilnius-Zarasai road. This oak tree, which separates the city of Ignalina and the village of Bėčiūnai, was included in the List of Protected Cultural Heritage Sites.
Elder Jonas Polita took the initiative to resurrect the oak tree so that it would tell the story of the village. One of the most famous folk artists of our country, Svajūnas Rimkevičius, came to his aid, whose impressive works adorn not only the country's parks and private homesteads, but are scattered throughout many foreign countries. The master had a goal – to give the sculpture the name of THE WHOLE. And he succeeded. The sculpture depicts everything that makes the land of Ignalina alive: water, sun and moon, trees, owls, snakes, eagles, swans, grasslands.
The 7-meter-high sculpture, weighing more than 7 tons, returned to the same place where the tree grew, and on October 12, it was ceremonially unveiled, consecrated, and presented to the public.
Ignalina Cable Television report about the history of the Bėčiūnai oak:
Updated 2025-10-06: The Bėčiūnai oak sculpture, created 6 years ago by folk artist Svajūnas Rimkevičius, has become more beautiful, as have the outdoor furniture and park. With the efforts of the Ignalina Eldership, routine maintenance work has been carried out, the wood has been impregnated and repainted. The sculpture, which has become a symbol of the village, will once again hospitably welcome visitors, see off and wait for the villagers.
Information updated 2025-12-11
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