Birch Bark Manuscripts Calendar – 75th Anniversary Edition

Project Overview
Birch bark manuscripts are letters and notes written on birch bark in Ancient Russia, dating from the 11th to 15th centuries. These manuscripts offer a unique glimpse into the everyday life of people at that time, from personal messages and school exercises to drawings and records. Among them, the works of a boy named Onfim, who lived in 13th-century Novgorod, are especially well-known. Onfim used birch bark to practice writing letters and syllables, as well as to draw warriors, animals, and scenes from daily life.
This calendar is dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the first birch bark manuscript. Its purpose is to allow the viewer to connect with the past and to experience the world of Ancient Rus in an accessible, tangible way.
Concept and Design
The calendar combines familiar date notation with the historical system of Old Russian numerals. In 13th-century Rus, numbers were recorded using letters of the alphabet, and in this calendar, each date is accompanied by its corresponding Old Russian letter. These numbers are rendered in a slightly uneven, childlike style, echoing the handwriting of Onfim in his manuscripts.
Between the dates, the calendar grid incorporates small illustrations inspired by Onfim’s drawings. These images depict people engaged in seasonal activities characteristic of each month in Ancient Rus. For example, in January, the illustrations show chopping firewood, fishing, and mending clothing for winter. Each month also includes a short explanatory text at the top, describing typical seasonal tasks and life in that period. At the bottom of the calendar, photographs of Onfim’s actual manuscripts are presented, along with brief information about them, providing historical context and connecting the viewer directly with the original documents.
Purpose
The calendar is designed to immerse the viewer in the culture and daily life of Ancient Russia. It offers an opportunity to engage with history in a visual and interactive way, experiencing both the practical and creative aspects of life centuries ago. By combining historical numerals, playful childlike drawings, and seasonal depictions, the calendar creates a bridge between past and present, helping people feel a connection with traditions and everyday life from over 700 years ago.