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Valdai Bells

 

 

History

Russian legend has it that in 1478, Tsar Ivan III, after putting an end to democratic Novogorod’s sovereignty, ordered the city’s Veche bell (symbol of independence, used to summon the city assembly) transferred to Moscow. However, it splintered into several pieces as it was being transferred.  (Though Novgorod’s Veche bell was seized by Ivan III in 1478).

 

Unlike Russia’s famously large church bells, Valdai bells were originally produced for Coachmen as troika bells.  Since the mid-17^th century, bells have been used by Coachmen to notify travelers of their oncoming approach.  By the mid-1700s, they began to be made in Valdai (located, not incidentally, on the high road between St. Petersurg and Moscow). As a musical instrument, Valdai bells also served to save a horses energy by setting a rhythmic pattern for horses to follow.  Eventually, such bells were used to signal mail-service as well. 

 

The troika, so often depicted on lacquer boxes, is used to harness three horses together in order to pull a coach or sleigh.  Per picture, you can see how bells were placed upon the harness (and typically selected as a harmonious set).

 

In the early 19^th century, bell craftsmen began to sign and date their bells.  Shortly afterward, bell workshops began to become large factories.  By the mid-1800s, about 5 factories were creating such bells.  Local factories eventually produced several dynasties of bell casters.

 

However, when the czarist regime was overthrown in 1917, deeply anti-religious Soviet authorities targeted church bells for destruction.  In 1935, Communist authorities prohibited all bell-ringing including handbells. Only since the early 1990s has bell manufacturing attempted a comeback.  Though Valdai craftsmen no longer need to produce bells for coachmen, they’re still produced as souvenirs in Valdai.  Since 1995, Valdai has hosted a Museum of Bells exhibiting both locally made and foreign bells.

 

 

Design

Valdai bells typically have a classic tulip shape (in fixed form), weigh about 90 gm, and are constructed equal lengths height and diameter (2 inches). Locally, bell parts have long been described in terms analogous to feminine appearance (skirt, shoulders, sundress).  Accordingly, the rim (skirt) generally contains an inscription (maker name/ proverb).  Likewise, the bell’s slope (sundress) depicts either a small icon or winter themes.  Upon the bell’s ‘shoulders’ lies a loop with a ring.  Finally, the surface contains contrasting rough and smooth surfaces (especially with lettering), though the décor is typically simple.

 

 

Technology

Valdai bells are not molded the same way as Russian church bells.  The bells use a centuries-old traditional bronze formula.  High-grade ural copper is poured (without bubbles) into an entrenchment, fusing together the bell’s two halves from the mold.

 

Other Resources

Williams, Edward. The Bells of Russia: History and Technology . Princeton University Press. 1985