BABA YAGA OF THE GRAIN by artist Ulla Anobile

Paper mache, acrylics, mixed media, 7" x 8 1/4" (face 4 1/2" x 4")

There are countless versions of the character Baba Yaga in Russia as well as the rest of Eastern Europe. The very oldest versions of her show her as an ambiguous figure in charge of the grain field, who has the power to grant or deny an abundant harvest. Some tales say she lives in the last sheaf of harvested grain, which villagers in some regions of Russia would braid and decorate, and 'leave for Baba Yaga'. In other places, the last sheaf was determinedly cut down, after which Baba Yaga was 'chased deep into the forest'.