Professional artist Fedor Markov continues the traditions of Yakut bone carving school, which is characterized by wholeness, restraint of emotions and minimalism in the processing of materials. He studied bone carving in the Art College in Yakutsk. Later he worked as a jeweler and bone carver in the ‘Sardaana’ national crafts factory.
Markov is most interested in miniature sculptural compositions. He manages to harmonize contemporary realities with ancient national culture and history. In the 1980s the master studied Japanese bone carving art. Delicate craftsmanship of the details is its principal feature.
Recently he often refers to heroes from the Yakut myths. ‘The Spirit of the Lake’ composition was created from the mammoth tusk in 1997. This material is very much-in-demand because of its amazing gloss, unique semitransparent structure and inimitable natural shades.
The author depicted a genial old man sitting on the tale of a crucian carp. In fact it is Kuoh Bollokh Toyon – owner of water depths and protector of fishermen. From Yakut language his name is translated as ‘the gentleman sea-green hill’. He wears fish scale and fishing nets and his beard and hair consists of seaweed.
The master of water was highly honoured in the Yakut culture. There was a belief that metal things could not be dropped into ice holes because this could hurt Kuoh Bollokh Toyon. Fishermen asked him for a rich catch and made sacrifices to mollify him; they made fires on the shore and threw bones in it.
Markov paid special attention to decorative design of his figures – he carefully carved the old man’s face, fish scale and wings. Mild and soft lines of his work create an energetic rhythm. The author depicts Kuoh Bollokh Toyon as a dashing rider – he sits on a crucian carp and glides over the water.
The figure of the crucian carp is as big as its owner. This fish inhabits many lakes of Yakutia and is an important part of the Yakut people ration. Several times a year the Yakut people gather for the Munkha winter fishing – the feast of crucian carp ice fishing. This is an important event and families from the most remote areas of Yakutia come to participate. In “The Spirit of the Lake” work Markov united folklore motifs and living national traditions.
