Ольга Шулинець /Olga Shulinets

Popular wickerwork schools were established in the villages of Iza and Kosheleve in the early 20th century, and the authorities also focused on developing the craft of using dried corn leaves, woven in Vyshkovo. During the 1920s there was a real “artistic explosion”, a variety of products made by mastersworking with wicker and corn husk appeared at fairs in the cities of neighboring countries. In cities of Czechoslovakia, Poland, Hungary or Romania wicker ornaments have become extremely popular, and these trades have gained the status of craftsmanship.Wickerwork continued to be in high demand even during the Soviet period. In Iza, almost the entire village has been involved in this craft, because the process is complex and involves collecting, preparing raw materials, weaving products and selling them.
In order to obtain the best products, the raw material is collected in summer or autumn, and the branches must be cleaned of bark. Dry summer branches are used to make small and refined things. Autumn willow twigs are thicker and are used to make stronger products, including furniture.
Olga Shulinets is one of the masters of wickerwork that can be found in Iza Village