Leather craft of the 11-13th centuries

Widespread in Polotsk had such a kind of craft activities as leather processing. Its development has contributed to the proximity of water, which is actively used in the craft. It is known that the processing of one skin required from 30 to 50 liters of water. The raw materials were the skin of cattle and, rarely, of small ruminants. Ancient tanners made different kinds of leather, dyed them black or red. In Polotsk the largest number of finds is represented by this type of leather products, like shoes. According to the type of construction, the shoes of local craftsmen are divided into pistons, shoes, boots, boots, and boots. During the excavations at the Upper Castle, a sandal was found, which probably belonged to a clergyman. When sewing an artisan made the cutting of leather using patterns. The most difficult was to cut the top. Then he sewed the details with linen flaxen threads, twisted the finished shoes and stretched the laces. But embroidered shoes in Polotsk decorated infrequently. In the Museum of Local Lore you can see one of the details of leather shoes and the fragmented children's boots of the 12-13th centuries. Among the exhibits of the Museum of Local Lore well-preserved leather sheath from a dagger and so-called wallets attract attention. The latter in form and structure were rectangular, rounded and clamped, sewn from one or several pieces of leather. These purses, handbags served as combs for combs, container for carrying various small items. The museum also presents a leather detail in black from an unknown product with traces of needle punctures and inlaid with thirteen metal circles. In Polotsk leatherwork existed as an independent branch of the urban craft. Medieval tanners were also shoemakers. However the final section in the 13th century between these branches has not happened yet.