Collections Curator Gary Lind-Sinanian is here to tell you an interesting and fun story about a ‘samovar’ in the Museum’s collection. Watch the video to hear Gary’s recollection of when the Museum first obtained this piece and the challenge it took to find information about its history and background, as well as the humor he brings to this recollection.
A samovar is a metal urn used to boil water for tea and it is traditionally used in Russia. It was developed in the mid-18th century, evolving into many different variations and styles. Its usage spread from Russia to Europe, Iran, India, and other parts of Asia.
In the 19th century, the Russian Empire exiled the Molokans—a minority Christian Russian group who did not subscribe to the tenets of the Russian Orthodox Church—to various parts of the Empire. Many Molokans settled in Armenia and their descendants continue to live in Armenia today. The largest settlement of Molokans in Armenia is in the village Fioletovo in the Lori Province near Lake Sevan. The Molokan community has been able to preserve their unique culture and identity, which includes the use of samovars, since settling in Armenia.