Anthropomorphic creatures in the mythology of ancient Russia
The project represents three hand-made tree toys performed in foil foil kettle technique. The mythological creatures of ancient Russia, anthropomorphic characters that combine human and magical characters, are chosen to create images. Simple shapes and repeated patterns are transformed into landscapes that play light and create an atmosphere of fairy tales.
Since ancient times, the winter holidays on Rusi have been a time of wonder and misterius. On long nights, when the border between the world of the living and the outside world seemed to be running out, people set up shrines, guessed, told stories, and believed that it was in the New Year that the forces of nature and the ancient spirits came to life. I want to return to this sense of magic — to revive an old tradition and to remember the mythical creatures of Russi. But not the familiar animals or spirits, but the anthropomorphic ones, the ones that connect human beings to magical ones.
Gamayun is a bird with a woman’s face. It is a symbol of knowledge and prophecy, a messenger of the gods. In the iconic and ancient engravings, Gamayun is portrayed as the keeper of secrets, a voice that connects the sky and the earth. Mermaid is one of the most mysterious creatures of Slavic mythology. It’s a spirit of water, both beautiful and dangerous. In legends, it symbolizes the woman’s power, the nature that can give life and take it away. In art, the image of a mermaid often appears as an expression of temptation and sadness in another world. Volkolak is a man who can turn into a wolf. This image is linked to the idea of transformation, internal duality, the struggle between human and animal beginnings. He often appeared in folk stories and later inspired artists and writers.
During the USSR, glass toy factories failed to cope with mass demand. People didn’t have extra money, and they needed a party. That’s when the handy stuff came in. One of the most popular ways was to make toys with a teaser — when a thin metal leaf is pressed down, smashing a sketch on it.
Chekanka quickly became a home-grown tradition. Families sat together on New Year’s Eve, carved foil, pressed it with a spoon or simple tools, and created their little wonders. The process itself was as important as the result — real collective creativity, where stories and fairy tales came to life.
