Architectural and Ethnographic Museum "Taltsy"
I spent night in rental apartment in Irkutsk and then in the morning our group met at airport at 9 am. Some people were flying in overnight, so we picked them up and loaded our car.
This day was a right out to Baikal itself, but we had a stop planned. It is Taltsy museum, which is very interesting place to see.
This is how museum met us. It is a huge collection if saved and restored old buildings with interior restoration and small scenes set up.
I love visiting such museums, the only downside is that you can't just walk and see everything in your own time.
This is Orderly Hut, I can't find good translation, but this was head of local authority in 1500-1770 years.
A huge building where all law and power was centered. Scene pictures Voivode, who was military governor and really had all power this far from Moscow.
Notice a fake cat - they were sign of luxury at those times.
And this is where sources of luxury were stored. Mostly first and salt. There was some gold washing done, but furs were more abundant.
And this is what furs were traided for. This was forested area, so growing flax was not possible, fields were for growing food.
And of course any settlement must be protected. So tall and heavy walls were guarded by arquebuses. I have doubts that it could be aimed well, but they must still be effective.
You can't survive long and good without medical care. So medics were respected.
Unfortunately, exposition only covered first floor of the house, I wonder what is on second floor.
I am scared just looking at all instruments.
Can you guess what is that construction of pole with wheel? I am lucky to only see it in museum, but my father had it used on him.
Another deeply respected area - church school.
It was only two classes, each studying for two years. And second class was extra and not everyone took it. Both classes took place simultaneously, so I can imagine how hard it must have been on teacher. And teacher usually was a young lady, because men could get job in towns, but women couldn't.
Can you write with a feather? I can with metal fountain pen, but I think my grandfather once made real feather ones for me and my sister to try.
Teacher's personal room. She tried to make it as modern and comfortable as she could. Look at the pretty dress she has out.
Not all photos fit. I will make second post to finish it.