Koldobskaya N.A. Regional aspects of embroidery as Russia’s intangible cultural heritage // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2026. V.11. №1. P. 161-186.

EDN: ICUUTR 

Annotation

The article considers embroidery as the Russian intangible cultural heritage, focusing on its regional features: each culture gives embroidery its unique characteristics, reflecting the historical, social and cultural features of the region. Under globalization and rapid technological development, the task of preserving and popularizing traditional embroidery becomes especially relevant. The article aims at identifying geographical patterns and regional features of the Russian traditional embroidery. To achieve this goal, the author conducted a search for embroidery in the registers of intangible cultural heritage and folk crafts to create a database of regional features of Russian embroidery, supplemented by the methods of participant observation and field ethnographic study. The article presents the historical transformation of embroidery traditions as intangible cultural heritage and considers the activities of folk-art enterprises. The author identifies the role of geographical factors in the development of regional embroidery traditions, presents a typology of Russian regions based on such traditions, shows their differences between the city and the countryside. The article emphasizes the importance of preserving and transmitting knowledge about embroidery as a key aspect of the cultural identity of the peoples of Russia. Embroidery is considered not only as a decoration for clothing and household items, but also as a bearer of deep symbolism reflecting the worldview and spiritual values of the people.

Keywords

Embroidery traditions, intangible cultural heritage, folk crafts, regions of Russia, historical analysis, geographical factors, typology.  

About the author

Natalia A. Koldobskaya, PhD (Geography), Associate Professor, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. GSP-1, Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119991, Russia. 
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Cherepanova E. A., Shirokova P. A., Nazarenko G. A., Prusikhin O. E., Krutov O. D., Aleksandrov E. A., Koldobskaya N. A. The impact of path dependence on the adaptation of old-developed industrial regions of the Lower Oka Region to changing economic conditions in the post-Soviet period // The Russian Peasant Studies. 2025. V.10. №4. P. 165-184.

EDN: RHYULJ

Annotation

The article considers the influence of “path dependence” on the adaptation of old industrial territories of the Nizhny Novgorod Region to the changing economic conditions in the post-Soviet period. The authors identify two different development trajectories — in the northern part (Pavlovsky and Vachsky districts) with a predominance of small business and handicraft production and in the southern part (Vyksa, Kulebaki, Navashino) with a predominance of large enterprises. The study is based on interviews, statistical and archival data. The comparative analysis showed that northern territories managed to adapt by restructuring and diversification of production based on the historical handicraft traditions, while southern territories maintained a monocentric model with the city-forming enterprise determining economic and social life. The authors identify three types of “blocking effects” (functional, political, and cognitive) that make it diff icult to diversify the economy in southern regions. On the contrary, in northern regions, a developed network of cooperating small enterprises contributes to the sustainability and flexibility of the local economy. Thus, historical specialization of territories still determines their development trajectories.

Keywords

Old industrial territories, path dependency, Nizhny Novgorod Region, Lower Oka Region, small towns, single-industry towns, ferrous metallurgy.  

About the authors

Ekaterina A. Cherepanova, Senior Analyst, Center for Strategic Research, Gazetny Per., 3–5, bldg. 1, Moscow, 125009, Russia.
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Polina A. Shirokova, Independent Researcher. Sitnikova St., 2, Balashikha, Moscow Region, 143923, Russia.
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Grigory A. Nazarenko, PhD Student, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Oleg E. Prusikhin, PhD Student, Senior Engineer, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Oleg D. Krutov, PhD Student, Senior Engineer, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Evgeny A. Aleksandrov, Master’s Student, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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Natalia A. Koldobskaya, PhD (Geography), Associate Professor, Department of Economic and Social Geography of Russia, Faculty of Geography, Lomonosov Moscow State University. Leninskie Gory, 1, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991, Russia.
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