For centuries, the Matagi were revered hunters in Japan’s Tōhoku region. They were especially known for their skills in the cold winters. Their practice involved hunting game like bears, which played a vital role in their communities for food and trade. The Matagi’s way of life and skills have mostly faded due to modernization and … Read more

The role of the Master of the Buckhounds was a unique position within the British Royal Household. This officer was responsible for overseeing a hunting pack known as buckhounds, which were used in coursing smaller deer like fallow deer. Though once prestigious, this occupation is now considered obsolete, like many historical jobs. In the past, … Read more

In the bustling world of 18th-century Paris, the marchand-mercier played a unique role. These were entrepreneurs who bypassed the strict guild regulations, allowing them to bring together crafts from different trades. Marchands-merciers were key figures who could supply a complete piece of decorative art by combining the talents of separate craftsmen. Despite working outside the … Read more

In the past, a lady’s companion was considered an essential figure in the lives of wealthy women, offering friendship and ensuring social decorum was maintained. With changing times and women’s roles evolving, the occupation of a lady’s companion has become obsolete in many developed countries. This shift occurred as upper-class women began engaging more actively … Read more

Exploring the history of obsolete jobs can be both fascinating and startling. One such role was that of a louse-feeder, a job held during interwar and Nazi-occupied Poland. This position was critical for scientific research as it involved serving as a human source of blood for lice, which were then infected with typhus to study … Read more

Lithuanian book smugglers played a crucial role in preserving the Lithuanian language and culture during a time of oppression. These brave individuals defied a ban imposed by the Russian Empire from 1864 to 1904, smuggling Lithuanian language books printed in the Latin alphabet across borders. Their efforts kept the language alive, even when it was … Read more

In a world where many professions fade into obsolescence, the story of the lirnyk continues to captivate those who chance upon it. These wandering Ukrainian minstrels, who often formed guilds and schools, roamed the lands with their liras, performing religious, historical, and epic songs. Lirnyks were more than mere performers; they were keepers of history … Read more

Walking the streets of London in the past, one might have encountered a boy with a burning torch, lighting the way for evening pedestrians. This boy was known as a link-boy, a helpful guide in an age before street lamps illuminated the city. Before gas lighting became common, link-boys played an essential role in helping … Read more

In the streets of London during the 16th and 17th centuries, a unique role emerged amid the chaos of disease outbreaks. This role, known as the Searcher of the Dead, involved individuals examining corpses to determine causes of death. It was a crucial job, helping track and respond to the spread of illnesses. Searchers of … Read more