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Origin story
The Brotherhood of Blackheads, established in Tallinn around 1399, was a notable association of unmarried merchants and shipowners. While the exact origins of the fraternity remain unclear, the oldest surviving document referencing the Blackheads is a treaty with the Dominican monastery in Tallinn dated March 28, 1400. This treaty confirms the Blackheads' ownership of various church instruments kept in St. Catherine's Church by the Dominicans. The signing of this contract suggests that the Brotherhood was formally recognized and operational shortly before the treaty date, around late 1399. The Brotherhood played a significant role in Tallinn's medieval commercial and social life, and its activities are a fascinating part of the city's history.
Photo: Collection of Tallinn Philharmonic
Saint Mauritius
The name "Blackheads" for the medieval fraternity in Tallinn is linked to Saint Maurice, a significant figure in Christian hagiography. Saint Maurice, an African martyr and patron saint of the Brotherhood, is depicted on the Blackheads' coat of arms. His feast day is celebrated on September 22nd.
Saint Maurice's story dates back to around 445 AD. He was a leader of the Theban Legion, a Roman unit composed of Christian soldiers from Egypt. The legion was stationed in modern-day Switzerland. According to tradition, the legionaries faced a moral crisis when ordered to participate in pagan rituals or to suppress other Christians, depending on the version of the story. Refusing to follow these orders due to their Christian beliefs, the legion members, led by Maurice and his fellow officers, were executed for their defiance. This act of martyrdom and steadfastness in faith became a central theme in the Brotherhood's identity and was reflected in their name and emblem.
Saint Maurice's coat of arms medallion in the White Hall.
Photo: Collection of Tallinn Philharmonic
Blackheads Skraa
Solidarity and mutual support were fundamental to the Brotherhood of Blackheads, reflecting the broader ethos of medieval fraternities. The Blackheads, like their counterparts, were bound together not just by their professional interests but also through social and religious activities. This sense of unity was deeply embedded in their way of life, from participating in church ceremonies to engaging in social events.
Their organizational structure and code of conduct were outlined in a statute known as a "skraa," which was common among Northern European brotherhoods. The skraa not only detailed the regulations governing the members' conduct but also served as a penalty code, stipulating fines for minor infractions. These fines were often paid in money or in candle wax, which could be used for church purposes or other communal needs. The earliest version of the Blackheads' skraa, dating back to 1407, provides insight into the fraternity's rules and social norms.
The facade of the House of Blackheads, featuring knight tournament imagery, reflects the fraternity's historical association with martial and chivalric traditions, highlighting their role in medieval society and their commitment to upholding honor and solidarity among members.
Photo: Toomas Tuul.
Living arrangements
As the Brotherhood of Blackheads evolved, a tradition emerged where married members of the fraternity also became part of the Great Guild, reflecting the changing social dynamics and expanding influence of the Blackheads. The Brotherhood, primarily involved in long-distance maritime trade, had their active trading periods during the ice-free months when sea navigation was possible. Winter months, in contrast, were dedicated to social activities, including elaborate Christmas and Shrovetide feasts that could extend for several weeks and were a highlight of their social calendar.
Due to their prominent role in trade and their wealth, many Blackheads were young and affluent. In times of conflict, these members were expected to be ready to defend Tallinn. To prepare for such duties, the Brotherhood organized military exercises, and these skills were showcased annually during shooting competitions. This tradition of combining trade, social events, and military readiness illustrates the multifaceted nature of the Brotherhood's role in medieval Tallinn.
Authentic Renaissance-style window column in the Meeting Room.
Photo: Collection of Tallinn Philharmonic
House and property
The House of Blackheads, located at Pikk Street 26, was the Brotherhood's meeting place from 1406 until the summer of 1940. This historical building played a central role in the Blackheads' activities and remains a significant landmark in Tallinn.
In 1531, the Blackheads acquired the house from Councilor Johann Vianti and undertook extensive renovations, transforming it in the cutting-edge Renaissance style of the time. This remodeling was a major contribution to the city's architectural heritage, and the House of Blackheads is now celebrated as one of Tallinn’s most prominent examples of Renaissance architecture, noted for its distinctive details and craftsmanship.
Beyond the architectural significance, the Blackheads' collection included an array of artistic and valuable items. Their possessions included paintings, silverware, a magnificent altar dedicated to the Virgin Mary commissioned from Bruges, church utensils for the Dominican church, and intricate ship models. These treasures reflect the Brotherhood’s wealth and cultural contributions.
Today, these historical artifacts are preserved in the Tallinn City Museum and the Art Museum of Estonia, ensuring that the legacy of the Blackheads and their contributions to Tallinn’s cultural heritage continue to be recognized and appreciated.
Photo: Collection of Tallinn Philharmonic
The maypole tournament and parrot shooting
The Brotherhood of Blackheads was deeply embedded in the social and civic life of medieval Tallinn, organizing and participating in various events that combined military tradition with communal celebration.
One of the notable traditions was the May Count tournament and parrot shooting. These events served both practical and recreational purposes. According to medieval regulations, every able-bodied citizen was required to maintain military equipment, and regular exercises were necessary to ensure readiness. The May Count tournament, a form of springtime military exercise, helped prevent equipment from rusting and allowed citizens to practice their skills in a festive setting.
The tradition of spring marksmanship competitions, known as parrot shooting, was particularly colorful. This custom involved setting up a "parrot tree" in a designated Parrot Garden. A wooden parrot, often intricately carved and painted or silvered, was used as the target. The event included a ceremonial procession with city musicians, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Prizes were awarded to the winners, and the celebration continued with a grand feast. This meal, hosted in one of the guild houses on Pikk Street or the Brotherhood's own building, was attended by participants and was a highlight of the social calendar. These festivities not only showcased the Brotherhood's role in maintaining civic traditions but also highlighted their contribution to the cultural life of Tallinn.
Silver stag's foot cup from the Brotherhood of Blackheads' silver collection at the Niguliste Museum.
Photo: Stanislav Stepaško
Later developments
In 1561, Tallinn came under Swedish rule, and the city, including its influential institutions like the Brotherhood of Blackheads, became part of the Swedish kingdom. This transition marked the end of Tallinn's era as an independent Hanseatic city, but the city's local governance structures, including the city council and various corporations, largely remained intact.
The dynamics of warfare and weaponry changed significantly over the centuries. During the Great Northern War, Tallinn fell to Russian forces in 1710, becoming a provincial town within the Russian Tsarist Empire. While the local institutions, such as the Brotherhood of Blackheads, continued to function, Tallinn's autonomy and the context of its governance were notably altered compared to its medieval Hanseatic past.
Despite these changes, the Brotherhood of Blackheads retained its prominence as a social organization. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, the Blackheads' House became a venue for hosting high-ranking guests. The house's elegant interiors and the traditional customs of the Brotherhood were appreciated as markers of elite social status.
In 1895, adapting to the changing times and the evolving role of such organizations, the Brotherhood was reorganized into the Blackheads Club. This transition reflected both the Brotherhood's enduring significance and its adaptation to the modern era, continuing its legacy in a new form while preserving its historical traditions and social status.
Library.
Photo: Collection of Tallinn Philharmonic
Blackheads and Dominicans
In medieval Tallinn, relations between fraternities and the church were central to their activities and identity. The Brotherhood of Blackheads had a significant connection with the St. Catherine's Church of the Dominican monastery, which served as their home church. This relationship lasted for 125 years, from the signing of their treaty in 1400 until the dissolution of the monastery during the Reformation in January 1525.
Members of the Brotherhood were required to attend specific church services, including those on Christmas, Easter, the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), St. Catherine's Day (November 25), and at high Masses held after fraternity gatherings. They also attended soul masses for deceased members, emphasizing the fraternity's role in both spiritual and social aspects of its members' lives.
As the Reformation's influence grew in Tallinn in 1524, the Blackheads took precautionary measures. They retrieved and hid their church valuables, including a splendid wing altar commissioned from Bruges in 1481, from the monastery. This action was a response to the changing religious climate and the potential threat to their possessions and practices posed by the Reformation.
Photo: Collection of Tallinn Philharmonic
Pikk tn 26, 10133 Tallinn
E-mail: kliendyritused@mustpeademaja.ee