Birch bark craft
has been known in this country since Novgorodian Russia (the 9th- 11th
centuries). Birch bark boxes were in great popularity and demand in Russia from
then on. Those were ideal for long storage of milk or water, as well as dry
goods.
Birch bark items
present an original form of folk arts and crafts. Russian handicraftsmen made
great use of birch bark properties, such as outstanding softness, flexibility
and durability kept even after processing.
Cylindrical
birch-bark containers with tight-fitting lids were widely used for keeping food
and drinks. Thus, for example, peasants took such containers with water or
kvass to field work and the drink remained cold even on the hottest days. A
peasant would wear a birch bark basket on the back and bast shoes, which were
often made of birch bark. Boxes for flour and honey, bast baskets, shepherd's
horns, and even ropes for fishing tackles - all these were made of birch bark.
Manufacturing Techniques
Since ancient times
birch bark has been a very attractive material of special value. This yielding,
soft but resistant material was very popular for making braided works, such as
boxes, baskets, bast shoes, bread boxes, and saltcellars. Birch bark containers
with tight fitting lids were made of entire birch bark taken off like a
stocking from a cut tree. Braided works were made in technique of direct and
oblique plaiting. Boxes and baskets were rectangular, bast shoes copied the
foot shape, and saltcellars imitated little ducks, small bottles, etc.
Braided birch-bark works are not decorated additionally as a rule. The shape of an item and soft, velvety texture of birch bark and its naturally rich variety play the main aesthetic role. Thus, spring birch-bark is of a coldish yellow color, whereas autumn birch-bark is of warm dark brown tints. Combining birch bark of different colors adds to the rich color effect.
Birch-bark is
harvested in late May – early June, when juices are flowing and birch-bark
easily comes off. Provided it was skillfully taken off, without damaging the
next layer of bark, the tree was not harmed and grew up elegant white clothes
in a few years again.
The first records
of birch bark processing technique date back to the 18th century. Birch-bark
carving can be and is traditionally done with very simple tools, such as a
knife and a prod. A pattern outline is drawn first and then is carved with a
sharp knife. Carving and stamping on birch bark were sometimes combined with
embossing, which resulted granular surface patterns. This technique is long
since known in metal processing. It has been applied in birch-bark craft since
the 19th century.
In the Arkhangelsk
Province boxes, cylinder containers, caskets, dishes, chests and other house
utensils were made of birch-bark and painted with picturesque floral designs.
As a rule, the handymen filled the item surface with a floral ornament of a
thin meandering stalk with leaves and branches and smooth bends. Openwork
"lace" of birch-bark was usually superimposed against a bright
background of textile, foil or paper, thus adding to a highly decorative
effect.
Birch Bark and Household
Birch bark played
an important role in the life of peasants in the North of Russia. It was widely
used by people in Siberia and the Far East. One cannot picture peasant life
without birch bark. This amazing material was applied everywhere, from toys to
house construction.
Birch bark with its
waterproof and antiseptic properties proved to be very helpful in building and
prevented houses from dampness and rotting. The lower joisted floors, window
sills, and overlappings served much longer if interlaid with birch bark. Birch
bark is still used in some modern villages as roofing material for bath houses
and storage rooms. A roof coated with birch bark serves for no less than 40
years.
A number of various
birch bark utensils were of wide use in peasant household. Baskets were taken
to forests for mushrooming and picking berries. Birch bark boxes served for
storing vegetables, flour and grains. Birch bark cylinder containers were
irreplaceable in storing dairy products, honey, fish and pickles. Saltcellars
varied in size and type, frequently stylized as ducks. Cracked pots were
restored by wreathing them with birch bark tape. Even simple horse harness was
often made of birch bark.
Everything from
footwear to a hat could be woven or stitched from birch bark. A suit with a
hat, jacket, trousers, and boots made of birch bark was exposed at the
All-Russian exhibition in St. Petersburg in 1882.
Shemogod Birch Bark Through Carving
Shemogod pro-carved
birch bark is probably the most famous birch bark craft in Russia. It is
well-known abroad as well. The craft developed in the Shemogod District was
named after the small river of Shemoksa that flows into Northern Dvina near
Velikiy Ustyug town.
168 people were
engaged in the craft in the Shemogod District of Veliky Ustyug in 1882. “The
best birch bark craftsmen live in the village of Kurovo-Navolok. They make
highly refined birch bark items”, the Domestic Industries Review of the Vologda
Province reads. It implied household items decorated with pro-carved birch
bark. Handymen carved refined ornaments to decorate items’ walls and lids.
Birch bark designs looked like a luxurious material against a dark or golden
background. Naturally, it made the items much more attractive to customers.
Source: http://russia-ic.com/culture_art
CONVERSATION