Yermak

“Svyatogor” Hard stone carving studio
2011

In the interpretation of the stone carvers at “Svyatogor”, Yermak is a bright character who catches the spectator’s eye thanks to the spectacular palette of coloured stone. The image of the bold conqueror of Siberia is created through the juxtaposition of the hero’s figure and the pedestal on which it rests.

The base is made of fissured rock crystal which is associated with ice and cold of the land that was distant and wild in those good old days. The piece of rock with quartz and pyrite crystals is fixed in such a way that the viewer can notice glimpses of “precious metal” under the quartz “snow” heralding the discovery of the richest Siberian deposits of silver and gold. The large crystal of golden-brown smoky quartz represents gemstones found in abundance in the Urals and Eastern Siberia. A bunch of skins of furry animals (carefully cut out of chalcedony) carelessly thrown on the rock at the hero’s feet completes the image of a tough but incredibly rich region submitted by the Cossack.

The complexity of the outstanding historical character’s image is emphasized by the combination of the portrait features (as much as it is possible with Yermak as no authentic portraits of him have survived) and the gorgeous costume. The military uniform and the warm clothing protecting from the harsh climate strike the viewer as the most dramatic contrast. Thus, the chainmail is carefully carved from a large block of Bashkirian jasper, slightly shimmering like old steel and complemented by the shiny plaques of pyrite. Jasper of spectacular shades was selected for the sheepskin coat covered with red cloth tossed over one shoulder so as not to be in the way while the hero is hacking his way through the battle with an axe that he is holding firmly in his right hand (fossilised wood, hematite). The shirt carved from jasper the colour of unbleached linen and the pants of agate imitating striped homespun cloth accentuate the main contrast of red and black and the grey fir rim of the hat (chalcedony), ochre-coloured boots (jasper) and golden sash (tiger’s eye) complement it. The sabre in the richly adorned sheath on Yermak’s right side gives a hint of how Siberia was annexed, reminding of the armed resistance that the Cossacks overcame.

John Bell
Travels from St. Petersburg to Various Parts of Asia

John Bell was a Scottish physician. He travelled across Russia in the early 18th century, making detailed records of historic evidence provided by the locals.

About the beginning of the last century, a certain Don-Cossack, named Yarmak Timotheovicz, being obliged, by some accident, to leave his native country, and having no means of subsistence, he, with a few accomplices, betook themselves to robbing on the highways. He soon became famous and powerful; for he robbed only the rich; and, by a generousity common in such a character, liberally bestowed to such as were in want. He never killed, nor even hurt any person, unless compelled to such outrages in his own defence. This behaviour so raised his reputation, that all the idle fellows in the country enlisted themselves in his gang, proud to follow to brave and enterprising leader. He became at last so troublesome that the governors of the southern provinces sent out troops to apprehend him; but, previously informed of the design, he withdrew from the land, and procuring boats upon the Volga, commenced pirate on that river. Being attacked here also, he was forced to cross the Caspian Sea, and shelter himself on the Persian shore, where he passed some time under disguise of a merchant. Being again discovered, he was obliged by the Persians to quit their coast: and now his only refuge was to return to the Volga, where he behaved with great circumspection, often lurking in woods and villages; and, being in no want of money, paid the inhabitants liberally for everything he needed. Foreseeing however that such a numerous gang could not be long concealed, he took the resolution of leaving the Volga, and steered his course up the river Kama, at that time little frequented by the Russians or any other nation; here he hoped to find, at least, a safe retreat during the winter. Yermak, therefore, with his followers, amounting to the number of two hundred, continued their voyage up the Kama, till they were stopped by the ice, at no great distance from the village, now belonging to Baron Stroganoff. The inhabitants were alarmed at the sight of so many armed men, whom they were not able to oppose, and therefore gave them an hospitable reception. Yermak demanded only the provisions, and winter quarters for his money, promising to leave them unmolested next spring. In consequence of such declaration, he and his followers passed the winter very quietly in this remote place; afraid, however, at the approach of summer, of being discovered by the government, and uncertain what course to steer; it was at last determined to cross the mountains of Verchaturia, and go to the eastward, in hopes of finding some uninhabited country or, at least, a safe retreat.