Heritage in action: Ukrainian artisans are dedicated to establishing the "Yavoriv Toy" museum.

In the village of Ivano-Frankove, located in the Lviv region, work continues on the establishment of the "Yavoriv Toy" museum-workshop, reports UNN.

Details

The project is initiated by Ukrainian artisans Ostap Soyka and Oksana Kogut. They have been dedicated to reviving and preserving the tradition of Yavoriv toys for the past 15 years.

Recently, with the support of the charitable foundation "MHP-Hromadi" as part of the social initiatives competition "Time to Act, Ukraine!", the artists created an album titled "Yavoriv Toy." The album features traditional toys from the artists' personal collection as well as original works that showcase the achievements and current trends in the development of Yavoriv toys based on authentic practices.

The album is priced at 1500 UAH.

Proceeds from the album sales will be directed towards the creation of the "Yavoriv Toy" museum-workshop.

Renovation work on the museum has already begun. Therefore, it is crucial for the artists to have the financial means to continue the repair work.

"This unique art form, which we believe the Yavoriv toy—listed in the National Register of Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine—truly is, must live on and evolve," the artists comment.

Background

The Yavoriv toy is a distinctive product made from aspen wood, with a history spanning over 400 years. It is included in the National Register of Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.

Scholars believe that the Yavoriv toy originated in the 17th century, when there was a dedicated center where these toys were crafted by entire families.

Initially, the toys were not painted. Color began to appear only in the early 20th century and did not carry any sacred significance. Artists used the most accessible colors derived from natural components: herbs, soil, and flowers. It is likely that if more colors had been available, there would have been a greater variety of colors as well.

There are about twenty different types of Yavoriv toys. The most famous include the bird that flaps its wings, carts, furniture pieces, horses, the lapavka, derkach, tarakhkalce, kolotushka, whistles, flutes, dancers, and taradayka.

"MHP-Hromadi" is a Ukrainian charitable foundation that began its activities in 2015. Its primary mission is the comprehensive development of communities.

The foundation operates in 13 regions of Ukraine, covering more than 700 towns and villages. Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Foundation has systematically supported people in combat zones, Ukrainian defenders and rescuers, communities, hospitals, maternity homes, and charitable institutions caring for orphans and the elderly, as well as those who have lost their homes and livelihoods due to the war.