The phrase "Tambov Wolf comrade to you!" all residents of Russia know, even those who have never been in Tambov itself. This phrase became winged phraseologism after the screenings of the popular film “The Rumyantsev Case” (1955). In Tambov, the attitude to wolves has always been special. And what is noteworthy, local residents believe that a forest predator is not always a bad companion. Is there a monument to the Tambov Wolf in Tambov?
Ancient legends and confirmed facts about wolves in Tambov
Once upon a time in the place of the modern Tambov region there were dense impenetrable forests. In this region there were a large number of wild animals. Wolf packs also lived here. It is believed that in ancient times, some of the local tribes worshiped a pagan deity, able to take the form of a wolf. In the XVII century, wolf skins were very popular. According to legends, even foreign merchants specially came to Tambov for this product. Curiously, such a breed as the Tambov Wolf does not actually exist. In the vicinity of Tambov there are quite ordinary gray wolves, common in other regions of our country. But despite this fact, today among its relatives the most famous is the Tambov wolf. Everyone can see a monument to this national symbol in Tambov. In the city there are as many as two such monuments. Tambov Wolf is also registered as a trademark for various categories of products manufactured in the region.
The first wolf in Tambov
Tambov Wolf is one of the most famous brands of the city. At the same time, there was no thematic monument to the forest predator in Tambov. The first proposals to correct historical injustice appeared in the early 2000s. In 2004, the local architect S. Lukyanenko at his own expense created a monument to the Tambov wolf. The author planned to give a sculpture to the city for further installation in one of the parks. Unfortunately, the local authorities did not like this monument too much. S. Lukyanenko portrayed an allegorical mystical wolf with wings and a grin. The sculpture, according to critics, was too aggressive and not at all friendly. As a result, the monument was erected near the workshop of the author himself on private land. The majestic beast did not have the opportunity to decorate the Tambov for a long time. One of the nights, the sculpture simply disappeared, and it was not possible to find the kidnappers and the monument itself.
The most famous monument to the Tambov Wolf
In 2008, a new monument to the Tambov Wolf was inaugurated. A carved figure was installed on the Rasskazovsky highway at the entrance to Tambov from Penza. The sculpture is made of wood, for greater solidity the wolf proudly sits on a pedestal. The total height of the statue is about three meters. A monument was made of bicentennial oak: the author of the sculpture personally counted 200 annual rings on a tree cut. Forest predator is made in a fabulous style. The sculpture looks majestic, noble and at the same time seems incredibly kind. The inscription on the pedestal reads: “The Tambov Wolf is a reliable companion!” The monument was commissioned by the sculptor V. Paramonov at the Tambov Forestry. Today it is a significant landmark of the city, to which local newlyweds and tourists come to take pictures.
Where is the monument to the Tambov Wolf in Tambov? Sculpture address: Tambov region, Rasskazovsky highway. The monument is quite large and visible from the road, and if you go at a moderate speed, you can read the inscription on the pedestal.
Noble Wolf in Tambov
The monument "Tambov Wolf" erected on the highway in Tambov is not the only one. Another symbol of the region proudly flaunts on a pedestal in the city. The author of this sculpture V. Tikhomirov, the grand opening of the monument took place in 2012. The monument depicts a calmly lying wolf with a proudly raised head. The inscription on the monument reads: “When you give people joy, the Tambov Wolf is your friend!” This expression fully reflects the mood of the figure itself. The wolf, performed by sculptor V. Tikhomirov, looks calm and majestic at the same time, confidence and nobility blow from the sculpture. This monument to Tambov Wolf has the following address: Tambov, st. Oktyabrskaya, 95 b. The sculpture is located on the territory of the Hotel.
Where else to look for wolves in Tambov?
Once in Tambov there was a full-fledged museum of the Tambov wolf. This exposition was very popular among tourists. Unfortunately, in 2006 the entire unique collection perished in a fire. Today the museum does not function; the Tambov wolf monument still welcomes guests at the entrance to the city.
Be sure to visit this sculpture: the tradition of making a wish near the main city symbol is popular among tourists. Do not forget to buy some original souvenir with a wolf theme for memory. Similar products are sold in many stores in the city.