Soft junk is an old name for fur, which in the 15th - first half of the 18th century was used as a hot commodity, as well as a cash equivalent. It was filmed from mammals with valuable fur. The main method of production is hunting, which was called fur trade in Russia.
However, such animals were also often raised on special fur farms. It is noteworthy that the other components of the beast, as a rule, did not interest our ancestors: it was the fur itself that was of exceptional value, which was in great demand not only in Russia, but also in other countries.
Term
Soft junk is the name that was used to refer to not raw, but cured skins. Since fur was one of the main articles of not only domestic, but also foreign trade, it was also the main unit of taxation for the peoples that became part of the Russian state.
First of all, we are talking about Siberia, which is rich in fur-bearing animals. The fur was divided into two categories, which was reflected in the code of laws,compiled in the 19th century. It could be ordinary (skins of squirrels, scribes, ermines) and expensive (we are talking about the skins of foxes).
Tax
Soft junk is the main article not only of trade, but also of taxation. It has already been said above that the tsarist government collected yasak from the peoples of Siberia and the Far North.
In addition, until the 18th century, this tax was also levied on the Volga tribes. It is known that the purpose of the development of Siberia was precisely to obtain expensive furs of sables, martens, foxes and other animals. This product was an important part of the replenishment of the royal treasury. How important the authorities attached to this article is evidenced by the fact that it was collected by a special Siberian order, and in the 18th century by the imperial cabinet.
Thus, the question of what was called soft junk in Russia should be considered in the context of its economic history and the development of Siberia. You should also take into account the fact that fur was often used as royal awards to service people. From here came the famous expression of awarding a fur coat from the royal shoulder. However, the tax seemed very heavy to many, so there were often requests to replace the collection of furs with a cash quitrent. Gradually, the government began to move from collection in kind to financial taxation. So, soft junk is an important part of the Russian economy in the Middle Ages.
