The state of the craft activity on the territory of Mordovia (at the present stage)

In the following paper the author analyzes the state, prospects and problematic aspects of folk arts and crafts existence in the Republic of Mordovia on the examples of the most significant traditional places of their existence. The author uses her own field data analysis as well as archival documents and researchers’ materials. The author analyzes transformation of the understanding of the essence and structure of fishing activity in the framework of various historical stages. The place, role, features of folk arts and crafts development in the conditions of an innovative market economy are determined. The main forms of arts and crafts activities for income generation, in which crafts continue to exist are considered. At the present stage, such forms are developed in family contracts, dynasties of craftsmen, among self-employed persons, craftsmen engaged in some kind of applied arts and crafts besides their professional activities. Attention is paid to the production of souvenirs with national symbols as a special type of products in the structure of folk crafts. The paper reflects the main factors which have an effect on the state of various kinds of folk arts and crafts. The fundamental principles that allow to increase the effectiveness of measures aimed at reviving, preserving and developing various types of traditional folk arts and crafts on the territory of Mordovia are formulated.