Traditions of the Production of Bast Shoes from the Mordovians

Abstract

Introduction. The article discusses the structure of the craft associated with the manufacture of bast shoes among the Mordovians in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. It is supposed to consider the level of development of this industry, to identify its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, sources of raw materials, as well as its significance for the traditional economy of Mordovians. Materials and Methods. A comparative historical method was used, on the basis of which the forms of existence of individual components included in the structure of the fishery under consideration were studied, and the trends of changes occurring with it were traced. This method was applied in combination with the analysis of historiographic works and sources, as well as field research methods. Results. Bast shoes among the Mordovians since ancient times were made mainly for the needs of their families. But by the end of the 19th century, this activity turned into handicraft production, which reached a significant size, although it was predominantly local in nature. It included not only the direct production of bast shoes (lapti, stupni), but also the tools used in the manufacture of products, the procurement and primary processing of raw materials – bast, the sale of finished products. Discussion and Conclusion. The production of bast shoes among the Mordovians in the 19th and early 20th centuries remained mainly a household craft in which members of a peasant family were employed. At the beginning of the 20 th century, this industry began to decline. This was due to a decrease in forest area, which led to a shortage of raw materials, as well as low income from it. Bast shoes gradually began to go out of constant use, giving way to handicraft and factory leather shoes. Although, as everyday shoes, they continued to exist among the Mordovians until the middle of the last century.