"Idolishche": the sculpture "The Decembrist's Wife" was removed in Chita three days after its opening.

As noted by journalists from Sibir.Realii, the sculpture had previously been visually disliked by Chita residents, and the historian Irina Barinova On her VK page, she called it an “idol” and called for the removal of “this incomprehensible sculpture, which has nothing to do with the wives of the Decembrists.”

The sculpture was installed last Friday near the Decembrist Church Museum. A gazebo, paths, and streetlights were also installed as part of the project. Students and staff from the Chita Pedagogical College, whose building is located next to the museum, were responsible for landscaping the courtyard. 

The project cost 1,3 million rubles in grant money, the college director told Chita.ru. Lyudmila EmelyanovaThere weren't enough funds to order the sculpture from professionals, so it was made by prisoners at Penal Colony No. 5.

"While the work was being carried out, we weren't allowed onto the premises, as it's a restricted area. We took the version they came up with. Unfortunately, they deviated from the original." — she explained Emelyanova.

The creators intended the sculpture to attract Chinese tourists, who frequently visit the Decembrist Church. Now, the initiative group is ready to collaborate with historians and Chita residents to create something else in its place.

Photo: Irina Barinova