Massive roofs of houses in the Northern Dvina River region were topped with an entire larch log, its roots hanging over the pediment of the house. From the root ball Russian carpenters used an axe to carve sculptures, often in the shape of a hen. These were called oklupen' and had the function of protecting inhabitants of the house from illnesses, thieves, fires and evil forces. There was a saying in the north of Russia, "Kuritsa na krishe, v dome tishe." "With a hen on the roof, it's quiet at home."

Valentina Zhiguleva

Sculpture for the Peak of a Roof (Okhlupen') Mid-19th century Arckhangel'sk Province Wood, carved with axe 73x39x51 SPM