Sõbrakaubandus - sepralaitos

The aim of this book is to summarize the Estonian folk memories of an interesting phenomenon in the history of the Estonian and Finnish peoples-the barter trade of Baltic herring for grain, the so-called “friendship trade.” Historically, this ancient practice has reached its final stage, as the last remaining participants-people who in their youth either witnessed or took part in barter trading at the herring markets-are now only a few individuals of very advanced age.

The focus is on the memories of the coastal people of Viru (northern Estonia) concerning this friendship trade, while also addressing related phenomena such as the transport of potatoes and the associated golden age of sailing ships, as well as the smuggling of salt and spirits.

One of the most invaluable legacies of this friendship trade lies in the human connections it fostered—the interaction between two kindred peoples—which allowed them to share in the everyday life and spiritual culture of both our own ancestors and those of our Finno-Ugric relatives.