Rawhide Gifts and Gallery

                          
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These beautiful Russian birch bark boxes are no longer available to us, to our regret. The craftsmanship on these pieces were amazing! What we have left is all that we were able to acquire. The barrettes  are still available.
 Click on the images for a larger view

    

 

 

History of the Birch Bark Boxes   

    Birch bark fold crafts have a long history in Russia and Siberia, but the boxes that you are now seeing have a relatively recent history. Native people naturally made use of locally available materials. In the taiga forests of Russia and Siberia, the birch tree provided a useful and important local material, Birch Bark. Birch bark has many useful purposes, has antibacterial properties. Russians used birch bark for shoes, to provide a warm lining for hand tools, and especially used containers lined with birch bark to store grains, honey, dried fruits and various liquids. The Mongol warriors used birch bark to waterproof their composite bows. Over time, folk crafts that served utilitarian purposes later became decorative art.  Almost every region of Russia has a distinct birch bark style. During the Soviet period, the folk crafts were highly encouraged but the styles were purposely kept very plain and rudimentary.  The birch bark is collected only during a brief interval in June and from trees that have been marked for logging. The bark from the one birch tree provides enough material for about five of the largest boxes. Birch bark as a medium has properties in between paper and wood. Like paper, the bark can be made into sheets, painted or bent into flexible shapes. But like wood, the bark is durable, waterproof and can be carved. The boxes are still hand carved using a variety of special tools. A finished piece is coated with a thin layer of paraffin wax. The boxes are made in turn of the century style workshops. In Russian Folk wisdom, it was believed that touching a birch tree restored the emotions and helped to reduce stress. Parents made talismans from birch bark for their children called igrushki-oberegi, to ward off evil spirits.  Slowly the craft has turned from purely utilitarian purposes to becoming more decorative. The boxes, hair barrettes and combs and brushes you see are now a mixture of the old traditions and new artistic  freedoms.

 


Order three or more items and shipping is free. Shipping will be refunded to you via paypal
All of these boxes and hair barrettes are imported from Russia

 Carved Birch Bark Chest
11. Carved Chest Box (To Be DISCONTINUED)  approx 4"x 1/2 "wide x  6 1/2" long, 5" deep $42.95 plus shipping
Rearing horses birch bark box
 14  2 Round box w/rearing horses approx 4 1/4 wide and 1 1/2" deep  (carved interior-click here for image) $26.95 plus shipping

32. Barrette #1 1 avble $9.95 plus shipping

 
Carved detailed russian birch bark braided heart box
2. Heart Box #1 approx 2 1/4" deep and 7 1/2 " wide SOLD
Russian Nesting Doll
39. Russian Nesting Doll 3 in blue also is comprised of 5 dolls including the one seen and also beautifully hand painted. $30. 95 plus shipping.
Carved Russain Birchbark Box, western flavor
 27.  (To Be DISCONTINUED)
Western style carving round birch bark box also would make a great set to #16 and #18!  3" x 1 1/2" $9.50 plus shipping
1 avble

19.SOLD

29.1 avble Oval Acorn Box $16.95 plus shipping w/carved interior
3 1/4 L x 2 1/4 W x 1 1/4 D

 


33. SOLD
Painted Russian Barrette
34. Painted Barrette  #4 1 avble
No two are ever alike. Painted with tiny brushes and delicate strokes, these will be treasured for years to come! $13.95 plus shipping
Painted Russian Barrette
35. Painted Barrette #5 2 avble No two are ever alike. Painted with tiny brushes and delicate strokes, these will be treasured for years to come! $15.95 plus shipping
Russian Painted Barrette
36. Painted Barrette #6 1 avble $13.95 plus shipping
B arette, painted, miniature flowers
10.
Painted Barrette #7
 
1 avble $11.95 plus shipping
russian painted hair barrette
22.
Painted Barrette #8 1 avble
$15.95 plus shipping
17 hairbrush  

 

 

Comments and Testimonials from our Buyers

  "Thank you for the quick shipping and the attention to detail! We needed several boxes shipped overnight and you emailed us several times with photos  of boxes you didn't yet have on your site to help us make our decision, called us several times even after your store hours to help us get our business concluded and the package shipped on time....we can't thank you enough!".....MaryBeth, New York, NY

......"I've never seen anything like these boxes. They are really delicate and pretty. I wanted something unusual and something that no one in my family had never had as a gift before. It was kind of nice to find something this unusual. Thank you very much. This was nice." ......AllisyonJo Higgens, IL

 

  FAQ
Can you ship overnight?
Yes, we can ship by fed-ex express air or UPS  or we can even use USPS. We try to use the service that has the lowest rate when we calculate the rates after we we weigh your package. Please try to catch us before noon MST if you want it to go out on the same day, though.
Do you carry more than one of each box?
On some of the smaller ones we do. But if you are looking to purchase several, please let us know ahead of time so that we can get them for you. They really DO come from Russia! and we have to wait on their shipping schedules. We don't carry more than one of the larger boxes, but often have more than one of the smaller ones on hand. Sometimes they are also discontinued without warning, too, and we can place an order for you but be unable to get them, so be aware that what you order at one time might be all that you might be able to get.
Do you ship outside of the U.S?
Yes, we do. But you will need to contact us with your shipping and/or postal address for us to get an approximate idea of your shipping costs. We will try to select the best shipping method and company that will be the most ecomical for you.
Are they very fragile?
Actually, they seem pretty sturdy, but as with anything handcrafted, especially anything this unique and beautiful, we still recommend taking good care of it, keeping it away from high heat, and high humidity.
Can you ship other than priority?
Yes, we can if you request it. However, we have checked those prices and here is the difference; you will get your shipment approx. a week later and save usually only about 40 cents to a dollar unless you order several items. It's up to you. We will ship however you want us to. Just let us know. But we've noticed that there is not really much difference between the cost of priority and first class; but you get your shipment faster :)
More questions? Email us!