“Salty ears”: why the Permians were called that. Permyak salty ears - what does it mean? Permyak salty ears monument address

You can come across various sculptures. If the monument to Pushkin in Perm symbolizes expressing one’s respect for the Russian language, and the bear symbolizes the proximity of Permians to the taiga, then the sculpture “Permyak – Salty Ears” symbolizes the occupation of the Kama region for more than one century. Salt, in the broadest sense of the word, is one of the main riches of Perm.

Permyak – salty ears, the beginning of the “Green Line” tourist route

Permyak salty ears is a sculptural composition located in the very center of Perm, near the intersection of two main streets of Perm: Komsomolsky Prospekt and Lenin Street. The composition consists of two parts: a sculpture of a photographer from the early 20th century and a sculpture of ears. Tourists and city residents love to take pictures at this place, putting their faces in their ears. It turns out cute.

The original meaning of the expression “Permyak-salty ears” goes back to the salt mines in the Verkhnekamye region. People working on salt transfer had sore ears. Salt was carried using special wooden fixtures, which was attached to the back. Particles of salt, escaping from the bag, fell on the ears and corroded them. Gradually, the ears of the salt bearers became red and increased in size (of course, not like those of the sculpture), so the Permians could be distinguished by their large “salty” ears. Since then this saying, referring to 19th century, became winged and emphasized the identity of the Perm people.

The sculptural composition “Permyak-salty ears” was opened in 2006. The author of the project is Rustam Ismagilov, an original Perm sculptor. After the opening of the composition, the place became one of the most iconic in Perm. And not by chance. Its originality speaks volumes high level master's talent. Almost any guide to Perm or program about Perm includes a visit to the sculptural composition “Permyak Salty Ears”.

Monument "Permyak salty ears" or monument to ears is a sculpture in Perm dedicated to salt workers.

History of the monument “Permyak - salty ears”

Vernekamye is a historical place of salt production in Russia.

In 1430, the Kalinnikov merchants opened the first salt pans in the area of ​​modern Solikamsk, and later they appeared in Dedyukhino, Pyskor, Lenva, Veretye ​​and Orel and other cities and towns. Salt was delivered by river to the largest fairs in Russia and was in great demand.

Salt was extracted by evaporation from water that was extracted from underground wells.

After evaporation, the salt was dried, stored and placed in bags of 4-5 pounds (64-80 kilograms). The bags of salt were carried by hired saltmen.

Carrying salt, which was very often still wet, caused the salt-carriers' skulls to become deformed, their muscles to fail, and they were also eaten by strong saline solution skin behind the ears. Very often, the ears became enlarged and red. This is where the saying “Permyak has salty ears” arose.

Sculpture “Permyak salty ears”

The monument was opened on April 1, 2006 and was built with funds from OJSC BINBANK. Author - Rustam Ismagilov.

The composition consists of two parts - the figure of the photographer and a round frame with big ears, which you can use to take a photo of your face.

In the central part of Perm, exactly opposite the Prikamie Hotel, there is a non-trivial sculpture “Permyak - Salty Ears”. The composition consists of two parts: a bronze figurine of a photographer with a tripod and a round frame framed by large ears. It serves as a tantamare - a photography stand in which passers-by can place their face.

It is typical for the monument complete absence monumentality, some kind of pedestal and podium. However, this allowed the sculpture to organically fit into the urban landscape. With its humorous name and appearance, the composition appeals to the sense of humor of passers-by.

Residents and guests of the city are happy to try on the “lop-eared frame”. There are also many who want to try themselves as a photographer. The popularity of the monument “Permyak - Salty Ears” is evidenced by the characteristic shine of bronze, which is formed from frequent contact with the hands of visitors.

While some see the sculpture as an extra reason to smile, others consider the local landmark to be banal. The reasons for dissatisfaction are also the small height of the monument, which forces those wishing to take a photo to bend over, and the background in the form of a Soviet-style building. Perm residents themselves love the composition and even place its image on souvenirs.

History of the sculpture “Permyak - salty ears”

The monument appeared in the Ural city not so long ago: April 1, 2006. The authorship belongs to a native of Perm, Rustam Ismagilov.

The artist and sculptor has created more than one genre city monument. Thus, thanks to his efforts, on the eve of the 120th anniversary of the Perm city water supply system, a monument to the plumber.

The project “Permyak - Salty Ears” was fully implemented at the expense of the commercial association “Binbank”. And the first person to take a photo with the new Tantamare was the former mayor of the city, Igor Shubin.

Despite its short existence, the composition has already received one award. In 2009 The Russkiy Mir magazine recognized the landmark as the strangest of all monuments in the country.

In fact, there is nothing strange in the sculpture: in such a humorous way the author tried to embody the nickname of the inhabitants of the Perm lands. As you probably already guessed, it sounds like this: “Permyak - salty ears” (one of folk forms in the size of trochees: “Permyak - salty ears”).

“Permyak - salty ears” on the Google panorama of Perm:

The origins of this expression go back to the 15th century. The fact is that the first salt pans began working on the banks of the Usolka River at that time. At the beginning of the next century, the settlement became known as Usolye-on-Kamsky, later - Sol Kamskaya. After some time, the city became a major salt mining center. Working in salt pans was difficult: it was necessary to drill a well, extract a solution, dry the mineral and package it in bags, and then load the finished product onto barges.

For workers in the salt industry, such activities did not go unnoticed. The mineral ate into the skin, causing itching and allergies. Of all the parts of the body, the ears suffered the most: they were always red with flaky skin. It was by their ears that it was possible to identify the people involved in this trade. Since then, the expression has taken hold and has spread throughout the country. You can even meet him in Maxim Gorky’s work “Childhood”.

Video report about the Perm monument “Permyak - salty ears”:

How to get there

The city sculpture is located on the left bank of Perm, on Komsomolsky Avenue. Neighboring it are the monuments “Perm Bear” and “Kama River”. Due to the fact that this is the main street of the city, getting to your destination will not be difficult. From public transport you can take buses or trams.

By bus: Transport No. 10, 14, 33, 41, 50, 60, 68 will take you to the “TSUM” stop. Walk about 100 meters to the attraction.

By tram: this type of transport does not run along Komsomolsky Prospekt, but along the street. Lenin, which crosses the avenue. Get off when the tram stops at the Central Department Store. Suitable transport numbers 4, 7, 11.

On foot: Perm-1 railway station is within walking distance,

Photo: Sculpture “Permyak - salty ears”

Many peoples of the world have their own half-joking, half-insulting nicknames, given by representatives of other nations. The French are called “frogmen” because of their passion for dishes made from frogs’ legs. Italians have been “pasta lovers” since time immemorial. What can you do, the inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula love pasta, and most importantly, they know how to cook it.

Similar names are often found among residents of individual cities. In Rus', they were usually given according to the type of activity of the overwhelming number of townspeople. However, the nicknames chosen were so intricate that it was sometimes very difficult to guess their origin.

Permyak "salty ears"

Perm has long been a fishing city. Back in the 15th century, extensive saltworks were established here. Almost the entire working population of the Perm region was engaged in the extraction and production of salt. From the name of this fishery, a tributary of the Kama River began to be called “Usolka”, and the city in its upper reaches - Usolie-on-Kamsky.

The Permyaks supplied the Russians with half of all the salt they used on their farms. Naturally, about the manufacturers of this valuable food additives all of Rus' knew. Fame is a capricious thing. She not only makes the hero stand out in the crowd, but also labels him. Permians also received their mark. They began to be called “salty ears.”

The origin of this nickname is very simple. Previously, huge bags of salt were loaded into carts by strong, portly men. The saltworks workers threw the bags on their shoulders and carried them to the right place. During this process, salt gradually spilled through the holes of the canvas bag and fell on the porters' necks and ears.

Constant contact with salt irritated the skin and caused redness. Gradually, the ears of the most experienced and skilled salt workers acquired a persistent crimson color, which practically did not change over time. Permians were recognized in every corner of Russia by these fiery scarlet “salty” ears.

It’s interesting that Perm residents really love their unofficial nickname. In 2006, a sculpture was even unveiled in the city, which is called “Permyak Salty Ears.” It is an oval frame with huge ears. Anyone can insert their face into this frame and take a photo as a keepsake. You definitely can’t deny Permians a sense of humor.

"Sour-nest" Borisoglebsk residents

The same story applies to the residents of Borisoglebsk. The inhabitants of this town in the Tambov province have long earned their living by dressing hides. The work is profitable, but very harmful and dirty. According to traditional technology, animal skins were treated with alder shavings, deer droppings, urine and other foul-smelling tanning agents.

The finished genuine leather was soft and delicate. This was often paid for in gold. However, furriers - workers engaged in leather production - came home terribly dirty and thoroughly saturated with the smell of tanning compounds.

Washing hardly helped in the fight against this evil. Gradually, the furrier's dwelling acquired a persistent sour odor. This is why the inhabitants of Rus' called the hard workers from Borisoglebsk “sour nests” (that is, their nest - housing - stinks of sour meat). The residents of this city do not like their nickname and are not going to erect monuments in his honor.