Children in the Soviet Union (1922-1991) enjoyed a special status. They were the hope for the future, and the government created political youth organizations to instill them with Communist ideals. The Young Pioneers was one of the largest of these groups — boasting millions of young members.
Many commercially printed textiles featured children as part of Soviet propaganda. These fabrics were often used for clothing — shirts for boys and dresses for girls — or as tablecloths, picnic cloths or window coverings in the home. In the early days of the regime, most citizens were illiterate, so design was the primary means of communicating the Soviet message.
Printed in 1928-29 on inexpensive cotton cloth, this textile shows crowds of people at a Young Pioneers rally. The central figure is blowing a horn, while others beat drums. The motifs of flags, stars, modern architecture, airplanes and machines were standard symbols of the Soviet regime.
The artist of this textile, whose identity is unknown, was part of a growing body of factory-trained designers in the Soviet Union, whose creations promoted the values of the state.
