The Estate of the “Lnyanik” (Flax Handler): Archaeological Research of the Flax Processing Complex of the 16th-17th Centuries in the Petrovsky End of Pskov

Abstract

Flax export through Pskov and Livonia to the markets of Western Europe, was an important factor of cross state relations during the late Middle Ages and the New Age. Despite complicated political situation in the Pskov-Livonian borderland, trade in flax had never been interrupted for a long time. The history of trade routes and sales volumes of this commodity are rather thoroughly researched. Less attention is paid to the actual processing of linen raw material during this period, which is not sufficiently reflected in the sources. The absence of written sources is to some extent compensated by archaeological materials. During archaeological excavations in Pskov, a city estate of the 16th-17th centuries, which included a complex of structures for flax processing (soaking pits with masses of flax bark, structures for flowing the flax mass, sheds for primary drying) was investigated. The activities of the estate owners remained connected with flax processing for more than a century – while the estate may have changed owners after the Pskov Uprising of 1650. This duration was determined by high profitability of the flax processing business – despite the risk of price changes, bad weather conditions, blockage of traditional trade routes, etc. The location of this site in the immediate vicinity of the Pskov Flax Dvor (Yard) suggests that the owners of the estates could both supply marketable flax and process flax raw material delivered to the Flax Gostiny Dvor (Market Yard).