Kukutis is a literary character created by Marcelijus Martinaitis, who first appeared nearly fifty years ago (in 1977) with the publication of the first collection of Kukutis’ Ballads. Since then, the character has grown, evolved, and even overshadowed the poet’s other works, becoming one of the most important and memorable figures in Lithuanian culture and literature.

It is not entirely clear what Kukutis is. A person, an animal, or an object? For some, he resembles a mythical creature; for others, a strange, somewhat foolish man. Many say he is a bird. Even when reading the same ballad, people imagine him differently and interpret its meaning in their own way. For this reason, the character is especially suitable for sculptors to improvise and express their own version of Kukutis in sculpture.

The sculpture "Kukutis’ Cat" is the sixth artistic accent in the town of Raseiniai, created based on the ballad "A Foolish Spring". It is in this ballad that Kukutis’ cat is mentioned.

Author - Kęstutis Dovydaitis, 2026.