A rare folk art object ,called a distaff in English and technical literature. This type of object originates mainly from Eastern and Northern Europe (Russia, the Baltic states, Scandinavia). A distaff is a tool used for spinning wool or flax. The raw fibers were tied at the top, after which the spinner pulled thread from them while spinning with a spindle or spinning wheel. It acts as a kind of “third hand” that keeps the fibers in order It was often held under the arm, or attached to a bench or spinning wheel. This object has characteristics of a Russian or Baltic type distaff: The flat, painted plank at the top, vertical shape with a seat or handle section. Rich folkloric painting with floral motifs This aligns strongly with Baltic and Russian distaffs, which were often made from a single piece of wood and were richly decorated as part of folk art. Similar forms occur widely in Lithuania and surrounding regions, often with an “inverted shovel shape” and decorative paintings.. The year inscription “1912” fits perfectly within the period when this type of object was still widely used (until the early 20th century). The richl decoration is an important cultural aspect: Distaffs were personal possessions of women, often from a young age They were sometimes given as gifts (e.g. by a fiancé) They served not only as tools, but also as status symbols and decorative objects After use, they were often hung on the wall as decoration That is why therevare beautiful flowers, symmetry, and bright colors – typical of folk art from those regions.