Crafts

Many crafts were necessary to maintain life in Norka. One could find carpenters, bricklayers, blacksmiths, shoe and boot makers, tailors, tanners, quilters, and weavers. While the emphasis was usually on practical uses, artistic talent could also be seen in their work.

This table and tablecloth from Norka are displayed in the Volga German exhibit at the museum in Engels, Russia. Courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

Volga German needlework displayed in the Volga German exhibit at the museum in Engels, Russia. Courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

Volga German pipe bowl displayed in the Volga German exhibit at the museum in Engels, Russia. Courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

Volga German household items displayed in the Volga German exhibit at the museum in Engels, Russia. Courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

Volga German Skeinwinder displayed in the Volga German exhibit at the museum in Engels, Russia. Courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

Volga German weaving loom displayed in the Volga German exhibit at the museum in Engels, Russia. Courtesy of Steve Schreiber.

The photographs below are of a spinning wheel from our family. In 1852, it was moved from the colony of Norka, to the daughter colony of Neu-Norka. This object was handed over from one generation to the next. From Döring to Kuhn to Külthau to Baumung. The spinning wheel was used on the Volga, in Siberia, and now in Germany. -- Alexander Baumung (2017)

Last updated January 16, 2018