Mikk Sarv

Mikk Sarv (10 August 1951 – 6 April 2018) was an Estonian folklorist, (runic-song) singer, biologist, educator and composer. In scholarship on Baltic folklore revivals, Sarv has been described as a key figure in Estonian–Latvian networks around traditional music.

Public roles Sarv was active in civic organisations connected to adult education and rural community development. A historical overview of the Estonian Adult Education Association credits Sarv as a key figure in the organisation’s (re)founding process and notes that he served as its chair in the early period. A 1994 issue of Õpetajate Leht listed Sarv as chair of both the Adult Education Teachers’ Society and the Adult Education Association.

In the context of rural community organising, a PREPARE network report on the Estonian Village Movement (Kodukant) identifies Sarv as the movement’s first president.

Broadcasting Sarv appeared in Estonian broadcasting, including the ETV portrait programme Tähelaev. After his death, Klassikaraadio aired a programme highlighting his work and noted his long-running contribution to radio series such as Päeva pärimussõna.

Awards and recognition Sarv received the Cultural Endowment of Estonia’s annual award from the Folk Culture Endowment (1998). He was awarded the Order of the White Star (Medal Class) by a state decorations decision of 2 February 2001.