Jurilovca, Tulcea, 1898
Coming from the Black Sea coast, near Lake Razelm, the Jurilovca household is a typical Lipovan ensemble from the end of the 19th century.
Refugees from the central parts of Russia, dissatisfied with the reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Lipovans settled in the marshes and bushings of the Danube Delta and on the banks of the Dobrogea lakes during the eighteenth century. Here, they led an isolated life, keeping their language, port, old rite faith and habits. They were fishermen and winemakers, tasks reflected by both the annexes that make up the ensemble and by the numerous objects specific to these occupations.
The house in the museum, rebuilt in 1953, is the copy of a Lipovan home from 1898, as the inscription painted on the main door. It is built on a limestone foundation, with the walls of chirp (non -wandered bricks mixed with straw, poured into shape and dry in the sun) and the roof in two waters with reed covers. The necessary wood was brought from a distance. The decorations from the carpentry of the shutters, windows and doors, painted in bright colors (cobalt, white, dark red, green) are distinguished. This painted ornamentation is specific to the northern and central regions of Russia, where similar specimens meet.
The house has the form of the letter "L", bringing together under a single roof both the house and some of the household annexes. The part reserved for the house comprises in the plan five rooms, all communicating between them: "The house in front", reserved for guests (Perednia Hata), tin (serența), "house in the middle" (Sednia Hata), tin (serența) and kitchen (cuhnia). The smaller side brings together the glacier, the shed, two warehouses for tools and foods, the fish smoker and the stable. From the shed can also be passed behind the construction, towards the "smoker" or the money (with steams obtained by throwing water on hot stones) and a whisper that houses an oil pi, the task of the ropes and the stack for grapes. The household also includes a summer kitchen and a bird.
The interior impresses with stoves with molds painted in bright colors. The old tradition of Russian painting of Byzantine religious character was continued by the village icons, which also performed works with secular themes illustrated here through paintings with marine landscapes and flowers. In the composition of the interior, the photos of the family members are often integrated. Policroma ceramics, brightly colored textiles and painted furniture complete the inventory. Among the household objects, in the house draws attention and "backpack", a handmade device used for hand washing.
The basic occupation is illustrated by the variety of 50-60 types of fishing tools, adapted after the season to the different categories of fish. We note "Căpăușca", a delicate tool of fish bone inlaid with decorative motifs, worn around the neck under the shirt. It served in time of storm and danger for the ears of the fishermen, clogged with the sand brought by the waves.
