Bird-shaped salt container from Komi

This bird-shaped salt container has a turning lid and a red star ornament. The object depicts the black-throated loon, which was regarded as a symbol of good luck and fertility. According to the records made by U. T. Sirelius, who collected it in 1907, such an object could be given to a young woman by a male family member, such as her father or uncle. The salt container is from Ust-Sysolsk, the present capital of the Komi Republic, now known as Syktyvkar.