In English:
Original English text updated in March 2014. In this series there are presented 57 paupers.
These historical wooden Poor-man (pauper) wooden statues are presented in their original surroundings. It is difficult to understand them at first, because man can find them only in Finland and some in Sweden. They are found mainly on the area called Ostrobothnia in Finland. They are part of our cultural heritage and thus being something special. What they are, why man made them, what is their history and how many of them exist? All these questions are replied in my next three posts.
Since I saw the first one nearly ten years ago, I felt sympathy to them. They were so cute, so live looking and well made. Seeing those statues later after years, many of them were in bad condition, I came sad. I saw that time and hard weather had left marks on them. I asked myself if anybody takes care of them, because they needed urgent restoration.
According to the latest calculations there are 145 paupers from which 107 (poor-man statues) + 1 (poor-woman statue) in active service, meaning collecting money to the poor. The rest of them are found in local museums around Finland. Total number of them is calculated to been about 180. In Sweden there are only nine paupers left.
Background:
All this began in 1649 (at that time Finland was under administration of Sweden) when Swedish queen Kristina (1629 – 1689) gave order to make money collection logs. In Europe wars raged around and many soldiers wounded in wars losing foot or arm. When wounded in this way they had to return to their home. These money collection-logs were modified to pauper (poor-man) statues by local artists. They were placed usually beside church doors and on the walls of bell towers. Man built for them small wooden shelter to protect them sun shine, direct rain and snow. In recent years many churches moved them into porches. So, many pauper statues present men missing hand, foot or even ear having models from solders maimed in wars. Man must remember that in the 1700, 1800 and 1900 century people were very poor, but they visited church every Sunday faithfully. I think that these pauper statues were great start for modern help of the poor (social security).
Pauper statues have moneybox in their chest and to put coins into them there is a slot in the chest. In general the Finnish people are honest and this means that there a few robberies against the pauper statues. Robberies have happened, yes indeed. Latest robbery happened in 2013 when the whole pauper statue in Rautio was stolen. It was found after winter in a ditch. The lock and money box were missing, but the statue was in good condition. Also the pauper of Alavieska has been robbed many times. In addition to these robberies, there have been some minor mischiefs like removing hands. Many paupers have beside them a written small phrase. Although the text might slightly differ from others, the main idea is: “he who has mercy on the poor, lends to the Lord”.
My posts go this way: First I present four churches and after photos of every church I show poor man statues with general views and close-ups. Because all pauper statues are presented in their natural environment, You will see also photos from churches, Chandeliers, Pulpits,Altapieces,Altars, Memorialsand Belltowers.
Always I could not visit churches inside, but in many cases yes. Enjoy our cultural heritage!
En español:
Historia de pobres hombres tallada en madera y la estatua estatua de pobrecita mujer.
Hay 107 estatuas de pobre hombres y una estatua de pobrecita mujer.
Al manejar mi carro alrededor en mi país, sacando fotos de las iglesias he encontrado algunas estatuas raras al lado de iglesias o campanarios. Ellos eran hombres o mujeres, y siempre sus mano o el pie había desaparecido, pero de todos modos esos estatues veía bien. Al examinar más de cerca encontré un hueco en ellos. Entonces entendí que se puede poner dinero en el hueco y dentro hay una cajita. ¿Por qué estos cajas / estatuas en madera de pobre hombres mendigos, se han creado, ¿cuándo?
Todo esto empieza en 1649 cuando la reina Cristina de Suecia dio la orden para hacer los leños de los pobres y ponerlos al lado de las puertas de las iglesias, campanarios o algunos lugares públicos. Pronto los leños de los pobres fueron modificados para estatuas de pobre hombre par artistas locales en Finlandia. En ese tiempo Finlandia estaba bajo la administración de Suecia. En Europa guerras devastó todos partes en Europa y muchos soldados heridos mismos perdiendo su pie o el brazo. Cuando heridos de esta manera ellos tuvieron que regresar a su casa.
En el 1700, 1800 y 1900 la gente del siglo era muy pobre, pero ellos visitaron la iglesia todos los domingos fielmente, así el lugar natural para esas estatuas pobres-el hombre estaba fue junto a iglesias o campanarios. Tal vez estas estatuas de pobres hombres ayudó a los más pobres, por supuesto, no existen estadicas.
Este post va de esta manera: Primero presento cuatro iglesias y después las fotos de estatuas pobres hombres.
¿Qué especial hay de en este post? Bueno, al ver la estatua de pobre hombre de Särkisalo me sorprendió. Esta estatua presenta desnudo Lázaro de Betania llevaba un taparrabos y cubierto con abscesos. En la iglesia de Särkisalo allí estaba colgando un buque votiva muy hermoso. Tal vez Usted recuerde mi post
La iglesia roja en madera de Särkisalo es del año 1760 y el campanario separado en madera fue terminado en 1762.
En francais:
Histoire de statues sculptées en bois de pauvre-homme et de pauvre-femme statue.
Il ya 107 statues de pauvre-hommes et une statue pauvre femme.
Lorsque je conduisais autour dans mon pays pour prendre des photos des églises sur la campagne, j’ai trouvé quelques statues particulières à côté des églises ou des campaniles. Ils étaient des hommes ou des femmes et dont toujours la main ou le pied les manquait, mais de toute façon ces statues avaient l’air si bien. Lorsque en examinant les de plus près, j’ai trouvé une fente. Puis j’ai réalisé que l’on peut mettre des pièces à l’intérieur dans la fente du bûche. Pourquoi ces pauvres bûches / pauvre-homme de bois / bois statues mendiants ont été mis en place, quand?
Tout cela commence 1649 quand Christine de Suède a donné l’ordre de faire les pauvres bûches et de les mettre à côté des portes d’église, clochers ou de certains lieux publics. Bientôt ces pauvres bûches ont été modifiés pour homme pauvres statues par des artistes locaux en Finlande. En ce moment la Finlande était sous l’administration de la Suède. Les guerres faisaient rage autour de l’Europe et nombreux soldats blessés ont perdu le pied ou le bras. Lorsque blessés de cette façon ils devaient retourner à leur domicile.
Dans les années 1700, 1800 et 1900 les gens était très pauvres, mais ils ont visité l’église chaque dimanche fidèlement, de sorte que, le lieu naturel pour ces statues de pauvres-hommes était à côté des églises ou des campaniles. Peut-être ces statues de pauvres-hommes ont aidé les plus pauvres, mais des statistiques, ils existent pas bien sûr.
Mon poste va dans cette façon: Premièrement je présente quatre églises et puis et à la fin les photos de statues de pauvre hommes.
Qu’est-ce qu’il y a de spécial de ce poste? Eh bien, en voyant la statue pauvre homme Särkisalo celle-ci m’a surpris. Cette statue de Lazare de Béthanie nue avait un pagne et recouvert d’abcès. Dans l’église de Särkisalo, il y avait aussi un très belle navire de votive pendent.
Peut-être vous souvenez de mon poste
L’église rouge Särkisalo en bois est de 1760 et le beffroi en bois séparé été complété en 1762.
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Kokkola (Kaarlela) – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Pirttikylä – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Särkisalo – Poor-man statues / Estatuas de pobre hombre / Statues de Pauvre Homme
Haapajärvi (photos / fotos 2008):
Church built 1802 / Iglesia construida 1802 / Église construite 1802
Belltower built 1813 / Campanario construido 1813 / Clocher construit 1813
Height of Poor-man statue 175cm (5 feet and 8.9 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 175cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Homme 175cm. Statue from the deacades 1800s / Estatua de los años de la primera mitad de 1800 / Statue dans les années de la prèmiere moitié de 1800.
Kaarlela (photos / fotos 2006):
Church built probably between 1500–1530 / Iglesia construida probablemente entre 1500-1530 / Église construite probablement entre 1500-1530.
Belltower built ? / Campanario construido ?- / Clocher construite ?. Height of Poor-man statue 169cm (5 feet and 6.5 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 169cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Homme 169cm. Statue from 1847 / Estatua de los años 1847 / Statue dans les années 1847.
Pirttikylä (photos / fotos 2006):
Church built 1783 / Iglesia construida 1783 / Église construite 1783
Belltower built ¿ / Campanario construido ¿/ Clocher construite?
Height of Poor-man statue 118cm (3 feet and 10.4 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 118cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Homme 118cm. Statue frommid-term of 1800 / Estatua de la mitad de 1800 / Statue au milieu des années 1800.
Särkisalo: (photos / fotos 2008)
Church built 1760/ Iglesia construida 1760/ Église construite 1760
Belltower built 1762 / Campanario construido 1762 / Clocher construite 1762
Height of Poor-man statue 45cm (1 feet and 5.7 inches) / Altura de estatua de pobre hombre 45cm / Hauteur de statue de pauvre Hommer 45cm. Statue from sometimes of 1700s / Estatua de los años 1700 / Statue dans les années 1700.
Poor-man statues 7 / Estatuas de pobre hombre 7 / Statues de Pauvre Homme 7
Poor-man statues 9 / Estatuas de pobre hombre 9 / Statues de Pauvre Homme 9
Travels in Finland and abroad 
statues originales mais j’aime par dessus tout ces églises intérieur comme extérieur c’est vraiment très beau et les vitraux aussi bisous bonne journée MA
Comment by AUDOLY-NOURIAN — February 22, 2013 @ 10:13 |
Bonjour Toinon.
Merci beaucoup. Bien, parce que à partir de mon post suivant vendredi prochain et dans six autres postes, Vous verrez plus de détails. Je les ai pris tous les en été 2012. Mon cœur chante à nouveau de Votre aimable commentaire.
Belle journée. Bises.
Comment by Sartenada — February 22, 2013 @ 10:24 |
Was curious about the last statue-thought it was smallpox but Saint Lazarus. You and your wife do a lot of touring and share a lot of knowledge-thank you.
Comment by janechese — February 22, 2013 @ 10:22 |
Hi Jane.
Thank You. That’s right that was with me on my many trips when photographing churches. Last year I made three days lasting trip, while my wife was on beading course. Starting next Friday You’ll see more detailed photos in seven posts. Then my series end finally.
Have great day!
Comment by Sartenada — February 22, 2013 @ 10:58 |
The first church is absolutely beautiful, both inside and out. The statu of Saint Lazarus is definitely different from the others in your series. The portraits on the balcony of the church in Särkisalo are also unusual, but beautiful.
Comment by seniorhiker — February 22, 2013 @ 15:51 |
Hi George.
I am happy that You commented my post. The first church in Haapajärvi has a “different” looking interior even in my eyes. What comes to portraits on the balcony of Särkisalo church is not rare here. Sometimes local artist has used people of village as models in their paintings.
Have a great day!
Comment by Sartenada — February 23, 2013 @ 09:05 |
Beautiful church! Wonderful tour of the statues.
Comment by Amy — February 23, 2013 @ 04:49 |
Hi Amy.
Thank You commenting and following my series presenting Poor-man statues.
Happy week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — February 23, 2013 @ 11:08 |
These churches are so beautiful. The last poor man has truly had a hard time of it. I doubt anyone could refuse to give him a few coins. I marvel still at the different “personalities” of the statues, and also that you found so many of them.
Comment by Heart To Harp — February 23, 2013 @ 05:20 |
Hello Janet.
Thank You. The diversity of statues might be due to it that in some cases the model has been a live person.
The same thing is valid also on paintings. One excellent example is the
St. Henry’s church in Pyhtää.
In this gorgeous church Twelve Apostles present local residents. You have not seen this church. If You check it You will not be disappointed! I guarantee it.
Have a great week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — February 23, 2013 @ 11:30 |
Such beautiful churches: I am always amazed at them. The church at Kokkola is in such wonderful condition for being that old!
Comment by montucky — February 23, 2013 @ 05:25 |
Hi Terry.
Thank You following and commenting my series. In my next post which photos are from 2012, there are inside photos from three churches. I am sure that You’ll love them and also Poor-man statues. Starting that post there are more details than in my previous photos.
Have a great week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — February 23, 2013 @ 11:50 |
¡Maravilloso reportaje, como siempre!, iglesia preciosa y muy curioso lo de las estatuas, besos
Comment by ManoliRizoFotografia — February 23, 2013 @ 12:17 |
Buenas dias Manoli.
Muchas gracias a ti por tu comentario. Cada vez tu visite me algro muchichíma. Espero que tengas un muy Buen Fin de Semana. Besitos.
Comment by Sartenada — February 23, 2013 @ 12:27 |
Another great collection of beautiful buildings and interesting statues.
I have always loved church-ships.
You can have a view of our local ship in Mårslet – from 1987 – before and after it was in its right place in our church:
http://www.maarsletegnsarkiv.dk/2_maarslet_kirke_kirkeskib_1987.htm
http://www.maarsletegnsarkiv.dk/15_maarslet_kirke_kirkeskib_1987.htm
Comment by Truels — February 23, 2013 @ 23:19 |
Hi Truels.
Thank You. It was nice to read that You follow my series and made Your comment. Those church ships or Votive ships are awesome. I am happy that such a tradition is yet living in Denmark as here in Finland. I know that there are many more in Finland, but to study and photograph all of them is difficult, well nearly as difficult as these Poor-man statues. Our free time is restricted, even mine, although being senior citizen now.
God søndag.
Comment by Sartenada — February 24, 2013 @ 09:34 |
Thank you for sharing your wonderful photographs and story about the Poor-man statues. I especially like the stained glass window in the church in this posting.
Comment by Mary Gilmartin — February 25, 2013 @ 06:22 |
Hello Mary.
I am happy for Your visit and comment. Thank You. So nice that You loved stained glass windows. I love them also.
Have a great start of this week!
Comment by Sartenada — February 25, 2013 @ 08:24 |
Really,really nice photos thank you so much for posting.Please stop on my blog and FACEBOOK, also I have blog: http://about.me/meleshyusrimas
Comment by rimassolosailingaroundtheworldm — February 25, 2013 @ 20:08 |
Hello Rimassolosailingaroundtheworldm.
I am happy that You visit my post and left Your kind comment. Thank You.
Have a great day!
Comment by Sartenada — February 26, 2013 @ 12:06 |
I really enjoyed seeing the various pictures of the churches – especially the interior of Haapajärvi and Särkisalo, as well as the Poor-Man statutes, and found the Kokkola statues to be very interesting looking. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by luchaniktravel — February 26, 2013 @ 06:09 |
Hi Davinder.
Thank You visiting my post and commenting it. I am happy that You did find something which liked.
Have great day!
Comment by Sartenada — February 26, 2013 @ 08:03 |
Hello Matti ! Que beaux détails dans toutes ces églises : peintures, sculptures, bateaux, vitraux. Les fidèles aimaient décorer leur lieu de culte en y ajoutant l’artisanat local. Sur la photo no 4, on dirait une croix celtique, c’est possible ? J’aime l’église de Pirttikylä. Merci de ces belles collections de photos.
Comment by isathreadsoflife — February 26, 2013 @ 15:52 |
Bonjour Isa.
Merci d’avoir fait commenter à mon poste. Quant à votre observation sur la Croix celtique, il semble vraiment que c’est ça. Je ne pouvais pas le résoudre comment se fait-ce que il y la Croix celtique bien que j’ai surfé sur Internet pour une longue période.. Cette église est de notre côté du littoral où la population est vieux et suédois est parlé en général là-bas.
Je Vous souhaite un très belle jpurnée!
Comment by Sartenada — February 26, 2013 @ 16:57 |
Stunning … you have a fantastic photo collections
Comment by campanulladellaanna — March 1, 2013 @ 16:55 |
Hello Campanulladellaanna.
I am very happy that You left Your comment here. I appreciate it deeply.
Have a wonderful week-end!
Comment by Sartenada — March 2, 2013 @ 09:19 |
I can’t believe how much work you have put into this blog post! What a great gift you are sharing with the world. Thank you very much.
Comment by Kathy — March 2, 2013 @ 21:34 |
Hi Kathy.
Thank You very much for Your comment. You are the first one who says so and it is true. How to explain it? Photographing is my hobby, pure hobby, and I am devoted to it. Another reason is that after my work years I am finding things from my country, interesting thing which I want to share with the world.
Happy Sunday!
Comment by Sartenada — March 3, 2013 @ 08:34 |