F. K. Volkov (Vovk) and A. M. Tallgren in 1916—1917 (Based on Correspondence)

In: Stratum plus: archeologija i kulʹturnaja antropologija = Stratum plus : archaeology and cultural anthropology, Heft 1, S. 385-406

Abstract

The paper deals with the correspondence between F. K. Volkov (1847—1918) and A. M. Tallgren (1885—1945) that consisted of eleven letters and occurred in 1916—1917 (from 6.09.1916 to 7.07.1917). For Volkov, one of the founders of the Paleolithic school in Russian archeology whose name is associated with the discovery of the Mezin Palaeolithic site, it was the final stage of the St. Petersburg period of his life and career. For the Finnish archaeologist, these years were marked by the search for his path in archeology. The two scholars never met in person. The correspondence focuces on Tallgren's article "From the prehistory of the habitat of the Finnish tribe". In addition, it touches upon many other topics such as exchange of literature, impressions of books and articles read, the translation of Tallgren's article for the Yearbook of the Russian Anthropological Society, etc. The correspondence is notable for the expression of the scientists' civic position and their attitudes to the turbulent revolutionary events of 1917. The outbreak of the civil war in Russia and Finland, the severance of postal relations between the two countries, and finally Volkov's sudden death on the way to Kiev from hungry and cold Petrograd in June 1918 put an end to the dialogue.