Beauty from the depths of centuries
Tatiana Lapkova, laureate of the Spiritual Revival special award, promotes a rare technology of birch bark weaving
Modern Belarusians are not easily surprised by clay products. Nevertheless, the centuries-old traditions of folk ceramics are so rich and diverse that there is still room for discoveries with a touch of antiquity. Tatiana Lapkova, Head of Traditional Culture Department at the Vitebsk Regional Methodological Centre for Folk Art and a laureate of the President of Belarus’ special award for cultural and artistic figures, has been dedicated for many years to preserving and popularising the technology of weaving birch bark around pottery. The MT correspondents have learnt how our ancestors created birch bark products and how this ancient tradition has been revitalised in the present century.

of weaving birch bark around pottery technology
Birch bark ‘faceting’ for clay
Tatiana Lapkova considers the revival of this technology from obscurity to be an achievement of the entire team of the centre and the ceramic artisans of the region. The tradition of weaving birch bark around pottery is appealing in its originality, being rare and unique. The specialist explained,“The technology was widespread in Vitebsk Region of Poozerye (land of lakes). Birch bark products were found in Miory, Sharkovshchina, Glubokoye, and Postavy districts. These regions were our focus during the technology revival, and local artisans eagerly embraced the initiative.”



Such decor arose out of necessity since people tried to preserve large clay items. Nowadays, the technology has, clearly, lost its original significance and has become a unique method of decorating clay products.
The mugs and even the whistle with birch bark decor presented in the exhibition — as our guide recounted — are entirely modern reproductions. Interestingly, it is these small decorative items that are popular among contemporaries, often purchased as souvenirs or interior pieces.
Currently, six craftsmen from Vitebsk Region have mastered this technology. Tatiana Lapkova noted that each craftsman brings something of their own to this ancient craft. For instance, Yelena Batarchuk from Miory creates ornamental cutouts on the birch bark strips, thereby adding her own artistic touches, while Sergei Rimdenok from Sharkovshchina District adheres to traditional methods.
Return to the people
The craft is not as simple as it may seem. One of the first to realise this was Sergei Rimdenok. Even with his 30 years of pottery experience, achieving the perfect birch bark piece did not happen immediately. With the methodological support of the centre, theory has been transformed into two years of practice for this folk master of Belarus. Today, the ceramicist has mastered all the intricacies of ancient decoration, “The most time-consuming part is working with birch bark itself. Not every tree is suitable for harvesting; it should be knot-free, neither too old nor too young. The process is monotonous — soaking the birch bark and cutting it into strips. Only then are the pliable birch bark strips stretched around the clay item either in a circle or diagonally, depending on the chosen weaving style.”Sergei Rimdenok’s personal collection includes jugs, milk pots, jars, small decorative items framed with birch bark strips. He even recreated a collection of ancient birch bark pieces that he once saw at the Yasep Drozdovich Art and Ethnographic Museum in his native agro-town of Germanovichi.
At the local Pottery House, the master is passing on his experience to the younger generation. The revived authentic technology has captivated the children just as much as their mentor. Two students have even conducted an outreach masterclass for their peers. Thus, a once-forgotten Belarusian tradition is once again being embraced by the people.
New impulse

Only by knowing the traditions of one’s people and land can one truly love their homeland.
Personally, I am inspired by our art, nature, and village life. I want to convey the beauty of traditional culture to as many contemporaries as possible.”

and gave them additional strength
By Natalya Ryzhkova