Wooden churches of the lower Onega of the XVII–XIX centuries. Typological aspect

Introduction. The significance of the study is determined by the exceptional importance of wooden architecture for Russian culture as one of its most outstanding and authentic phenomena. The studied territory is distinguished by high construction activity and flourishing development of architecture. The wooden churches of the lower Onega feature a very strong and outstanding architectural tradition, that has not been studied sufficiently. The research subject is the construction history of the objects of wooden architecture, their construction periodization, typology, and evolution of architectural forms. The scientific hypothesis of the study runs that the typological diversity of wooden churches of the lower Onega is explained by the important role of this territory in the process of the Russian North exploration, it being a point of contact of the mainland and marine areas and hence different regional traditions.

Materials and methods. The research materials included the results of field observations of architectural objects in conjunction with the study of archival bibliographical historical sources. The applied comprehensive methodological approach combined practical scientific and restoration study methods and scientific methods of historical and architectural, comparative-typological and evolution analysis.

Results. A collection of historical sources for each object under study was identified, field observations were conducted, and construction history and original architectural appearances were revealed; a series of new objects, completely unexplored before, were introduced into scientific discourse. The typology of the studied objects was determined, their typological characteristics analyzed and typological graphical sets, reflecting the evolution processes of the architectural forms, were compiled. The comparison of the studied traditions with the development of architecture in other Russian North territories allowed for the identification of the techniques and the forms that distinguish this territory. For the first time, a detailed picture of typological diversity of the architecture of the lower Onega churches in connection with the traditions of church construction in the Russian North as a whole, was obtained.

Conclusions. The study of wooden churches of the lower Onega provides fundamental scientific knowledge of the development of Russian architecture, its history, typology, and evolution. The research made it possible to outline and detail the best achievements of the Russian construction culture and introduce them more meaningfully into the broader context of the world’s culture. The results of the study will be used for drafting scientific and project documentation and conducting works for preservation of cultural heritage objects of the lower Onega.

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