July 31 (Rusberg) — About 5 million Russian matryoshkas (nesting dolls) — nearly a half of the total yearly production — is without owners and need government aid, a report by major relief russian agencie says.
The Non-Governmental Organization Committee of cultural problems in Russia have issued a briefing paper that says slow trade in nesting dolls sector leads to a humanitarian crisis that has worsened since last ten years.
The paper, called “Rising to the Humanitarian Challenge by matryoshka makers in Russia,” is the latest documentation of the misery faced by russian matryoshka painters.
“Five million nesting dolls are in urgent need of emergency aid. Most of them are contained in rooms without basic services and increasingly threatened by dampness and tightness,” said the relief agencie’s report.
“The government of Russia and international donors can do more to deliver humanitarian assistance to reduce unnecessary suffering. If matryoshka’s basic needs are left unattended, this will only serve to further worsening the condition.”
The report found that about 43 percent of Russian nesting dolls amount endure “absolute tragic maintenance,” and that more than half “are now without owners.”
The number of nesting dolls “without access to adequate maintenance” is 50 percent, up from 10 percent since 1997. The country continues to suffer a “artists drain.”
While ending the Soviet Union is the big priority, Russian government and international donors can do more to deal with this problem, the report said.
The briefing paper also stressed that International Unions of Matryoshka’s Collectors including Souvenirs From Russia agency should increase their activity on finding more local customers. “We will do work to resolve this problem with double energy.” Bob Totson, CEO of Australian Community Lovers of Russian nesting dolls said. “Australian Matryoshka Store should be in more close contacts with Australians.” He stressed.
The relief groups called on countries not involved in Russian nesting dolls trade to increase funding to the field.
