Traditional crafts: chairs and benches in rural homesteads of Bessarabia (late 19th century - mid-20th century)

Abstract

In this article, we explore traditional crafts in Bessarabia, with a focus on rural furniture, particularly chairs and benches, from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. These pieces of furniture exhibit remarkable diversity in form, function, and production techniques, shedding light on the traditions of rural craftsmanship and the cultural heritage of the region. Our investigations involved field research in all regions of the Republic of Moldova, resulting in the analysis of over 230 chairs and benches. We found that in addition to small low chairs, primarily crafted by local householders and prevalent in all regions, there were also tall chairs with backs. The latter were either produced by local carpenters or acquired from distant villages, towns, and foreign sources. Through this analysis, we aim to highlight the connections between traditional crafts and the cultural and historical context of rural homesteads in Bessarabia. Furniture represents not only functional aspects but also expressions of cultural and social identity, recording influences and changes over the centuries.