HANDICRAFT PRODUCTION IN THE TERRITORY OF PODILLIA PROVINCE AND ITS DEVELOPMENT IN THE POST-REFORM PERIOD (1862–1872)

The reform of 1861 in the Russian Empire significantly changed the legal status of peasant artisans, giving them the freedom to move and choose their place of residence and work. These changes led to a partial migration of artisans to cities, which affected the socio-economic landscape of the region. Despite this, the technological level of handicraft production in Podillia province remained low, based on manual labor, which limited the expansion of production and productivity. Highly skilled craftsmen adhered to traditions, and their work was organized mostly on an individual or family basis, which ensured control over the production process. The number of craftsmen in different districts of the province varied, affecting their share in the total population. The forms of product marketing also demonstrated diversity, with some artisans focusing on production and others independently manufacturing and marketing goods, indicating different approaches to the market and competition in the craft industry.