Soviet Icons and the Material Religion of the Communist Era

Abstract

Soviet icons are a phenomenon that has been discovered and conceptualized in recent years. These are the most massive religious artifacts that were created during the Soviet era. They are complex objects: prayer images placed in a wooden case, decorated with chasubles and complex decor. Soviet icons are the heirs of the foil icons, which spread massively in the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th — early 20th century. Artifacts of this type are an “information container” — the principles of their manufacture, functioning, and perception conceal the most important information about cultural strategies, religious practices, social interactions, and the material realities of the epoch. The creation of Soviet icons required the construction of many shadowy social networks. The tools and materials that Soviet craftsmen used mirrored the realities of the Soviet village. Until recently, these objects did not attract the attention of specialists. In modern Russia, they are rapidly disappearing — perceived as “outdated” objects and “church garbage” they are being disposed of. A comprehensive study of these icons and the social contexts in which they existed and continue to exist is an urgent scientific task. It helps to reveal not only the religious and social specifics of the Soviet province, but also many processes taking place in post-Soviet urban and rural society. This work explores important trends in the religious life of church and monastery communities, and in much broader social circles — among pilgrims, parishioners and people who occasionally visit churches. The article describes the history of the discovery of Soviet icons. The author also focused on the material, social and cultural uniqueness of these artifacts, and examines post-Soviet scenarios in which they are involved.