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Reindeer breeders of tundra (Nenets, Chukchi, Koryaks) and wild reindeer hunters (Nganasans, Ents). |
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Nature, which cannot be separated from the life of the northern peoples, has to a large extent formed their culture, occupations and way of life - nomadic or half-settled. For tundra inhabitants - Nenets, Chukchi, Koryaks who live in the severe Arctic conditions - the basis for the economic set-up was the consumer reindeer breeding.
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| Group of reindeer-breeders next to a chum (nomad tent). Nenets.Tobolsk Province. Early 20th century. Photo-archive of the RME |
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Arrow quiver. Eskimo. The Far East. Chukotka Peninsula. Early 20th century |
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Piece of sculpture: bone smoking pipe. Koryaks. Kamchatka region. Late 19th - early 20th centuries |
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Woman with her children next to a yaranga (tent). Chukchi. Yakutsk region. Early 20th century. Photo-archive of the RME |
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| Woman praparing reindeer hide. Nenets. Tobolsk Province. Early 20th century. Photo-archive of the RME |
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| Male reindeer fur coat. Nganasans, Entsy. Krasnoyarsk Territory, Taimyr National Area. Mid.-20th century |
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| Woman's coat. Koryaks. Koryak National Area. Mid.-20th century |
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| Woman's reindeer fur coat. Nenets. Tobolsk Province. Late 19th - early 20th centuries |
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| Child's toy "Man riding reindeer". Koryaks. Late 19th century |
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Reindeer breeding as the basis for the economic set-up
Nature, which cannot be separated from the life of the northern peoples, has to a large extent formed their culture, occupations and way of life - nomadic or half-settled. For tundra inhabitants - Nenets, Chukchi, Koryaks who live in the severe Arctic conditions - the basis for the economic set-up was the consumer reindeer breeding.
Tundra reindeer fed throughout the year on pasturage, on yagel moss in winter - certain type of lichen, on the greenery of bushes in summer, and on mushrooms, favorite dainty of the reindeer, in autumn. Main tool of the reindeer breeder was a lasso. In winter time they migrated to the timberline, in summer - to the seaside where there was enough wind to protect flock from gnat and botfly.
Fishing, trapping, hunting
In spite of the fact that reindeer breeding was the main occupation of the Nenets, Chukchi and Koryaks, fishing and trapping also played an important role.
In some areas till mid. 19c. all-year-round wild deer hunting, which was performed in the north Taimyr by Nganasans and Ents, played also a significant role.
Dwelling
Nomadic life of the tundra reindeer breeders influenced their culture and contributed to a considerable simplification of their domestic life. Nenets, Nganasans and Ents lived in chum. Chukchi and Koryaks lived in yaranga. Both chum and yaranga were perfectly adjusted to open tundra territories. Streamline form of the dwelling gave it certain stability. Dwelling could be easily constructed and fold. Products and clothes, which were of no need at the moment, were preserved on sleds near the dwelling.
Transportation
Reindeer team was the main means of transport among reindeer breeders.
Man and woman
Reindeer breeders of tundra as well as the other peoples of Siberia had a clear division of labour. Man - reindeer breeder and hunter - kept a family; woman brought up children, cooked meals, processed skins, made clothes.
Clothes
СLong severe winter made people pay much attention to clothes. Sometimes life depended on how well and carefully the clothes were made. A significant role of the fur clothes in the life of the northern peoples has stipulated certain sacral representations of the objects connected with process of making these clothes. In particular, scraper for skin processing and board skin cutting were considered to be patrons of the hearth.
Dependence on the reindeer (reindeer was supposed to bring happiness and protection to the family) not only influenced the domestic life and rituals, but also affected the world outlook of these peoples. It was connected with the idea of the "Master" of the reindeer, who "protected" and "brought" them to the breeders.
Beliefs and feasts
The greatest feasts of these peoples were dedicated to reindeer. Besides, reindeer was the main sacrificial animal.
Great feast was organized after the flock's return from the pasture and first massive killing of the reindeer in August - September, when family provided itself with fresh meat and stock of skins for winter time.
Nenets, Chukchi, Koryaks, living far away from each other, together with their clear differences, had a lot in common in life system. This was connected to the fact that they lived in similar tundra natural conditions. At the moment cultures of these peoples to a large extent keep theirs inimitable national colour thanks to keeping safe their traditional occupation - reindeer breeding.
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