On 14 April 2022, staff members of the Department of Guided Tours Organization of Bolgar Museum-Reserve Glavnova V. N. and Galimullina N. R. held an information-knowledge event on “Bronze Bulgar locks” for the students of Bolgar comprehensive school №1. The event was held as part of the implementation of the federal project “Culture for schoolchildren”.
Production units found during excavations clearly illustrate a high level of urban craft. The main branches of handicraft production were ferrous metallurgy and metalworking.
Among the products of Bulgar metalworkers, it is important to note a unique circle of items telling about the general character of penetration of art into everyday life. These are cubic and cylindrical hanging locks decorated with ornaments and beautiful Arabic script made in the technique of inlaying with gold and silver. Small bronze locks in the shape of domestic animals (horses, sheep, goats, dogs, bulls and even rhinos) are also preserved. They all are tied to the remnants of totemism and served as some sort of charms for household goods and dwelling.
In the middle ages when the art of metalworking was not familiar to everyone, locks and keys for them seemed mysterious items that could be owned only by noble or rich people. Keys were mostly worn on the waist belt. While the keys were with the owner, he was sure that home and property were safe.
During the event, kids became acquainted with the development of crafts in Volga Bulgaria and knew what instruments masters used for work. Children answered the questions of a quiz, solved riddles and did puzzles. They also painted souvenirs with the images of locks, which were given as a gift.

#культурадляшкольников

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