The Song of the Magi.

Great you are, the Mezen’ river! By your banks stand pines the powerful and firs the dark, and to its waters nearest come the beasts mysterious, and the monstrous ones – to the big sandbanks. Freely flow you, the Mezen’ amongst the forests coniferous. Either riders galloping your banks, or the horses freely grazing near the fields. How free you are, the river Mezen’! Planed boats of the outlaws go by you, and canoes zyryanskie. Taciturn people sit in there, and look into the dark your waters…here lies the country ancient – Biarmiya. The country ancient and enchanted…

In the North of Russia the Mezen’ river flows; handsome and kind people with their own way of life, customs and traditions, trade and homecraft live by its riversides.

Some peculiar features of the craftsmanship are transferred across the generations providing for keeping ornamental fancy, symbolicalness and fascination intrinsic to the Mezen’ paintings and that have deep roots in the culture of the people.

The Mezen’ painting is distinguished from the other kinds of painting. Archaic insight on the world of the ancients gains a vivid depiction in it. The pictures have deep roots; rock painting has been found along the shores of the White Sea and the lake Onega that has something in common with the drawings of the Mezen’ paintings. The fact that men alone performed the painting is another peculiarity.

A homecraft was developed at the end of the XIX century in the place by the river Mezen’. Various home things were painted, namely small baskets made of the birch bark, baskets and boxes of bast; but spinning wheels took on especial fame.

The painting is featured by the modest spectrum of color applied: red lead and black soot. The drawing was made by spots and strips and then outlined in black color. Ready-made article was coated with the drying oil and then it acquired a goldish color. 

In spite of the apparent simplicity the painting evokes an extraordinary interest. Geometric rows depicting ancient symbols of the Earth, the Sun, and water are combined with the symbols of the horses, deers and birds. All the symbols combination is an ancient technique of the writing.

All depicted seeds, cones and fruits are encircled in ancient rhomb figures – the symbols of fertility. These symbols are intrinsic to many peoples of the world. Round and cross like symbols are those of the fire and ancient protectors - “oberegi”. 

Birds and animals have additional meanings in home art. The deer brings happiness and joy, and is connected with the holiday of Elias, the prophet (ancient agrarian and hunting cult).

Horse has an additional sunny meaning. To the ancients belief it raises the Sun high into the sky every morning.

The image of the bird has a particular meaning in folklore. Swan and duck were the most often depicted images. The duck is a peculiar bird – it takes the Sun to the underground world, maintaining the order of things. The swan is connected with the elements of the sky and the water, and promises rich harvest, light and wealth.