Flax and hemp in the economy of the Russian peasants of Siberia in the 17th-early 20th century

The article analyzes some aspects of cultivating flax and hemp by the Russian peasants living in Siberia in the 17th-early 20th century. The following features have been observed: sowing and harvesting of these technical crops in Siberia depended on natural and climatic conditions. Flax was mainly cultivated in Western Siberia, while hemp was preferred in Eastern Siberia. Considerable attention was paid to obtaining seeds and fibers from flax and hemp. Their production had a double purpose. Oil, which was used for food, especially during long fasts, was extracted from seeds. Ropes and material for spinning were produced from the fibers of hemp. The resulting thread was used in sewing and weaving. Due to climatic conditions, flax did not grow in all places, and peasants would take this into account by planting hemp and thus receiving the necessary seeds and raw materials for manufacturing clothing of home-made canvas and for other household needs. According to the data of 1811, 96.3% of industrial canvas in a number of volosts was used for making clothes, and 3.3% was sold. The produced home-woven fabric satisfied the needs of the family. Scholars have noted skilful craftsmanship of weavers from Western Siberia. Thus, women from Mekhonskaya settlement of Shadrinsk Uezd wove such pure and durable canvas which in terms of quality was not inferior to Flemish fabrics.