Scientific Work of Kornii Cervyak on the Folk Culture of the Petty Gentry of the Korosten Region.

Abstract

SCIENTIFIC WORK OF KORNII CERVYAK ON THE FOLK CULTURE OF THE PETTY GENTRY OF THE KOROSTEN REGION

Purpose of the study. To summarize the research on the folk culture of the petty gentry by Kornii Chervyak, a little-known ethnologist who was repressed in 1933. To trace the influence of the scientist's scientific achievements on further ethnological research during the period of Ukraine's independence.

Research methodology. The scientific research principles of historicism, systematicity, and objectivity were used. Descriptive, comparative-historical, and historical-critical methods were applied.

Scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis has been conducted on the scientific output of K. Chervyak regarding the material and spiritual culture of the petty gentry of the Korosten region, alongside its evaluation by contemporary reviewers. The source database includes printed and archival materials.

Conclusions. The scientific achievements of Kornii Chervyak covers various aspects of the material and spiritual culture of the petty gentry: housing, clothing, funeral rites, and partially the occupations of the population. Due to a superior economic and, formerly, socio-political standing, the gentry succeeded in enriching its lifestyle with certain features intended to distance itself from the surrounding peasantry. Specifically, in domestic architecture, emphasis was placed on the dimensions and layout of the house, the use of non-stationary furniture, and the decoration of interiors with carpets. Women’s clothing shifted toward the use of store-bought fabrics; notably, sleeve embroidery was absent, while hemlines were richly adorned and skirts decorated with ruffles and lace. The gentry also sought to maintain caste-like exclusivity by avoiding intermarriage with peasants. The scholar-ethnologist's life position was organically manifested in his academic studies; being a sincere supporter of the Soviet regime, he quite objectively did not conceal its shortcomings and miscalculations. Despite the fragmentary nature of some of K. Chervyak's studies, today they constitute a valuable source base and contribute to an objective coverage of various aspects of the folk culture of the petty gentry of the Korosten region.