In the heart of medieval Novgorod, a young boy named Onfim left behind an extraordinary legacy: a collection of birch bark letters and drawings that continue to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike. Dating back to the 13th century, these artifacts provide a rare and personal glimpse into the life of a medieval schoolboy.
Discovered in 1956, archaeologists unearthed 12 birch bark letters attributed to Onfim, along with several drawings. The majority of these letters were found together, leading researchers to believe that Onfim may have lost them all at once. The letters reveal that Onfim was approximately six or seven years old, diligently practicing his writing skills and illustrating whimsical scenes.
Onfim the Student
Many of Onfim’s letters contain educational exercises: the alphabet, syllables, and excerpts from religious texts. One notable letter begins with a traditional greeting: “A bow from Onfim to Danila.” This suggests that Onfim had a friend or classmate named Danila to whom he wrote. In another letter, Onfim boldly inscribed, “Lord, help your servant Onfim,” blending education with prayer.
Interestingly, Onfim’s writing style reflected the linguistic quirks of his time. He frequently replaced the hard and soft signs (Ъ and Ь) with the letters “O” and “E,” showing that he was well-versed in both formal and colloquial writing conventions. This adaptability underscores the comprehensive nature of medieval Novgorod’s education system.
Onfim the Artist
When not practicing his lessons, Onfim drew remarkable images on the birch bark. His drawings depict battle scenes with mounted warriors, fantastical beasts, and self-portraits as a heroic knight striking down enemies. In one illustration, he wrote the words, “I am a beast,” beneath a creature of his own imagination. Despite the simplicity of his technique, these drawings are filled with energy and storytelling.
Some drawings show human figures with varying numbers of fingers—sometimes five, sometimes three—showcasing the innocent inconsistency of a child’s imagination. Onfim’s art has been described as some of the oldest preserved children’s drawings in Russia, if not the world.
A Lasting Tribute
Onfim’s impact has endured for centuries. In 2015, the city of Veliky Novgorod honored him with two sculptures. The first depicts scenes from his drawings outside the Children’s Museum Center, while the second, a whimsical movable sculpture at the Center for Contemporary Art, features a playful nod to Onfim’s creativity. In 2019, a third statue was unveiled, depicting Onfim in the midst of his writing.
Through his drawings and letters, Onfim’s voice echoes across time, painting a vivid portrait of medieval life and the universal joys of childhood imagination.
Tags:
Novgorod, Onfim, Medieval History, Children’s Drawings, Birch Bark Letters, Russian History, Archaeology, Medieval Education, Ancient Writing, Historical Curiosities
Categories:
History, Culture, Curiosities
