Today ethnographers – the scientists that study the origin, way of life and culture of various peoples, celebrate their professional holiday. The emergence of the Day of Ethnography is associated with the name of Nicholas Miklouho-Maclay. The world-famous scientist and traveller, recognised by UNESCO as a "Citizen of the World", made a significant contribution to ethnography, so his birthday (July 17, 1846) became a professional holiday for ethnographers.

According to some sources, Ethnographer's Day began to be celebrated in the USSR in the 70-80s of the 20^th century on the initiative of Professor Rudolf Its – the organiser and head of the Department of Ethnography and Anthropology at the Faculty of History of Leningrad State University.

Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay was a legendary figure. On the one hand, an adventurer and a visionary. On the other hand, he was one of the few people of that time that perceived ethnography as a full-fledged science requiring special skills and knowledge.

Researching Papuan rites and their customs was undoubtedly a fascinating endeavour. But gigantic and multinational Russia needed no less effort of scientists. Culture, way of life and common distinguishing features of small peoples of our country also required study.

The museum “Collection” gallery of Lapidary art works – serious and playful – features typical characters and folk types, the recognizable sketches of townsfolk and peasants’ common life. Collection of Lapidary Art works provides a panoramic view of this ingenious section of decorative art. Figurines carved from stone that depict people with pronounced ethnic and cultural peculiarities in the particular social context, with the signs and features reflecting their professional affiliation, comprise a relevant part of the museum “Collection” exposition. Some of those memorable images-symbols of historical and folk types are presented in our photo album "Folk archetypes in Lapidary art works”.

Jade, lapis lazuli, malachite, jasper and dozens of other gems become warm and alive in artisan’s hands. Carved from stone with the highest plastic expressiveness raise doubts as to the natural hardness of the material – it seems that they are made of anything but stone.