Russian Nesting Dolls
As Russia struggles with the falling price of oil (its chief hard currency export), increasing unemployment and the global economic crisis, native craftsman are struggling to preserve a cultural tradition: the matryoshka, or Russian nesting dolls. To assist artisans and small merchants in this difficult economy, Russia’s Industry and Trade Ministry announced that it will spend close to $30 million for the Kremlin and government agencies to purchase matryoshka and other hand-painted Russian crafts to give as diplomatic gifts. I had occasion to work in Russia on a project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, which was one of the most professionally and personally rewarding experiences of my life. In addition to the matryoshka, I also purchased the hand-painted Russian laquer boxes depicting scenes from Russian fairytales. As difficult as economic conditions are in the U.S., they are much more severe for entrepreneurs and the self-employed in less developed economies. At least the Russian government provided direct aid to those truly in need. This year, I am making all of my gift purchases from smaller, locally-owned businesses to help those entrepreneurs and hope we can all show support for the small business community globally. There are retail sites on the Internet, such as Ten Thousand Villages, where you can purchase fair trade goods from local artisans to support their work.