Maria Dolgorukova

At the table

Simple seasoning and one-pot cooking

Many families considered they were living in luxury if they could afford to put salt, pepper, and vinegar on the table in three small separate vessels. Generally, meals were very simple and various ingredients were often cooked together in a single pot.

What people wore

Footwear and practical peasant attire

Ordinary people commonly wore bast shoes woven from tree bark or vine twigs, though some used leather soles tied with belts. Zepya, or pockets, were sewn into peasant trousers, which were typically made of canvas or coarse wool.

Getting around

Travel times from Tyumen in 1600-1624

In the early 17th century, Tyumen mail carriers typically took 4 to 7 days to travel by land to Turinsk and 5 to 7 days to reach Tobolsk by the winter route.

What it cost

Cost of footwear

In the late 17th century, a pair of fine morocco leather boots cost 1 ruble, while simpler leather shoes were significantly cheaper.

Music

Singing spiritual songs at home

Spiritual songs known as stikhi were sung by men, women, and beggars at home and church-related events without instrumental accompaniment.

Daily life

The multipurpose masonry stove

The massive masonry stove, occupying nearly a quarter of the home, was used for heating, cooking, and as a primary sleeping area. It was so efficient that it could keep food hot from the morning until lunch.