The distaff served as a true companion to the Russian women during all their life. It represented not only a labor instrument, but a decorative item as well, a folk art masterpiece, a source of pride for its owner that passed in the family from mother to daughter.
In different regions of Russia distaffs were adorned in different ways. They were decorated by painting, carving and incrustation. Their decoration comprised figures of Sirin, Lion and Unicorn, as well as various genre scenes.