In 1993 the Bereginya Centre of Folk Handicrafts was established in Kargopol to protect an teach people about traditional Russian, and in particular Northern Russian, handicrafts.  The name Bereginya comes from the female spirits of Slavic folklore.  The centre is located in a protected early-19th century white-stone building and now holds master classes, teaching people various traditional skills.  In addition to this the centre has a great gift shop selling the whole range of local handicrafts, including many examples of the clay figurines Kargopol is famous for, and at the lowest prices you will find in the city.