Exhibition "The Not-So-Simple Siberian Valenok"

About exhibition

The exhibition is dedicated to traditional Russian winter footwear — valenki (felt boots). Through an exhibit that seems simple at first glance, it tells the complex story of the town of Anzhero-Sudzhensk and its inhabitants. The exhibition reflects the history of pimokat production within a single territory — Anzhero-Sudzhensk — the main stages of the handmade valenki technology, and the evolution and variety of felt footwear. Among the items on display are rubeli (fulling tools) of various shapes and sizes, ryushiny, lasts, and sets of tools for sewing/stitching felt footwear. Exhibited are valenki and other felt-wool shoes — factory-made valenki and "katanki" (handmade), valenki with attachments for skis and skates, men's warm felt boots made in Finland in the late 1940s, men's felt boots made in Anzhero-Sudzhensk modeled on foreign designs in the early 1950s, and contemporary felt footwear by well-known Russian manufacturers. The choice of valenki as primary winter footwear was reflected in 20th-century fashion trends. Also presented are winter outer garments for women and men from the mid and latter half of the 20th century — an NKVD officer's sheepskin coat (tulup) (1940s), a plush jacket typical of a fashionable woman's winter wear in the 1950s, a child's fur coat (1960s), and others.