This wooden floor crib was made by an unknown Nevyansk craftsman in the late 19th–early 20th century. In those days, it was customary to carefully choose a craftsman for such work: it was believed that he should be not only skillful, but also kind, so that a difficult character would not be transferred to the child. Not everyone could afford to commission a crib: poor families made them by themselves. But in any case, the material was chosen in accordance with all traditions. They could use not only wood, but also reeds, woodcuts, pine laths and linden bark. A crib made of aspen was considered a bad omen: in the old days it was believed that this tree was cursed because Judas hanged himself on it, and it attracted evil spirits.

Traditionally, the crib was made by the child’s father. The mother sewed a canopy for it, which would protect the baby not only from bright light, drafts and insects, but also from evil spirits and the evil eye. In poor families, the canopy was often sewn from old clothes, while wealthy families chose a beautiful fabric and decorated it with hand embroidery and lace. A feather bed or a small straw mattress was placed inside the crib: this also depended on the family’s wealth. Traditionally, small icons and crosses were placed next to the baby. Rag dolls, painted spoons or bright patches were attached to the sides, to entertain the child while the mother was busy.

The floor crib was usually installed on high runners, on which it swayed from the slightest movement. It was easier to lull a baby in such a crib than in a hanging one, which had to be constantly rocked. Moreover, such a crib took up very little space, it could be placed in a secluded corner or easily moved to another place.

In the old days, many signs and rituals were associated with cribs. It was strictly forbidden to rock it when it was empty: it was believed that this could attract devils who would settle in the crib and disrupt the child’s sleep. It was also forbidden to break, destroy, or redesign the crib. When the child grew out of it, the parents arranged a ritual of ‘weaning from the crib’: the father dressed in a fur coat with the fur on the outside, tied a bast beard and, in dressed like this, ran into the room and carried away the bed. They explained to the child that a ‘bogeyman from the forest’ came and took the crib to lull his children in it. A crib in which a baby grew up safely was considered lucky. It was customary to keep it carefully and pass it on to future generations.