Hiiumaa scarecrow sells for 50 euros at auction

A scarecrow made for a local contest sold for 50 euros at an auction in Hiiumaa this weekend, ERR reported. A total of 45 scarecrows went under the hammer at Mihkli Farm Museum.

The museum held a scarecrow design contest this summer, attracting 45 entries. The winning work, “Mrs Tax Office” by Silja Reemet, received 505 of the 4,028 votes cast.

Museum curator Kadri Kuusk said the exhibition “Hiiumaa Frighteners” is being held for a second summer. One of last year’s 14 figures was a viljatont, an older name for a scarecrow. Folklorist and cultural historian Marju Kõivupuu described the figures as new creations rooted in folklore, saying stories can help people face real-life fears from a safe distance.

One buyer, Taivo, paid 35 euros for a scarecrow with a wind vane that makes a sound. He said it would be useful near strawberry beds or a children’s playground. A “scarecrow taxi” was due to deliver it to his home. The top-priced figure was bought by a visitor named Jaan for 50 euros.