DOI: 10.25136/2409-8744.2023.6.69081

Abstract: One of the most important global problems of the XXI century is climate change. Every year, in some parts of the world, a decrease in annual precipitation and temperature is recorded, in others, on the contrary, an increase. These fluctuations can cause droughts, floods and degradation of permafrost soils. Further climate change may cause irreparable damage to traditional farming methods and adversely affect housing conditions in many regions of the globe. Thus, climate change can complicate and disrupt the established order of life and activity of the population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). This paper highlights a problem that has not been specifically studied before, and which concerns all hunters of the republic, the impact of climate change on hunting activities. The work is based on field materials collected by Vilyuysky and Tattinsky districts. Field materials were collected by audio, photo and video recording, in-depth interviewing and included observation during field work in the Vilyuysky and Tattinsky districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). In earlier scientific works research was conducted separately on the topic of the impact of climate change on the daily life and economic activities of the Yakuts, in this work hunting activity was considered. Hunters who participated in the research adapt to the changing climate in various ways: they increase the range of hunting area, equip trips over longer distances than before, learn to re-read changes in weather conditions, manufacture and use various devices for hunting and storage. The main conclusions of the research are that climatic changes directly or indirectly affect hunting activities in the studied areas: ordinary amateur hunters note that the habitat of animals is changing, roads are being destroyed, the soil of hunting grounds is degrading, there is a danger of the spread of various diseases.

DOI: 10.7256/2454-0609.2023.5.44012

Abstract: This article presents the results of a study of the bear image in the Yakut hunting culture and the Yakut bear holiday "kurum". The aim is to identify the bear holiday among Yakuts. The cult of bear veneration can be traced in many peoples of Siberia, but until later it was believed that Yakuts had no bear holiday, only in the 19th century R. K. Maak recorded a bear holiday among Yakuts and Tungus population in the Vilyuysk district of Yakutia. The bear festival can also be traced among the Tungus population in the Vilyui district, where they lived closely with the local Yakuts and entered into various ties, which most likely caused the Yakuts to adopt some Tungus traditions. The source base of the work is ethnographic materials of researchers of the XIX-XX centuries, as well as previously unpublished field materials collected in Suntarsky district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The main conclusion of the study is that the Tungus population of the Vilyui district, who had a fairly well-developed bear cult, took an active part in the formation of the bear ritual "kurum" among the Vilyui Yakuts. In the central and northern regions of Yakutia, the "kurum" festival as a bear ritual is not mentioned, in other words, it was not widespread, although the term itself is found in the Yakut lexicon and means a wedding feast.

DOI: 10.25136/2409-8744.2022.2.35817

Abstract: This article discusses some issues of hunting activity among the Yakuts on the basis of ethnographic and field materials collected in the territories of the Srednekolymsky, Olekminsky, Vilyuysky, Verkhnevilyuysky and Nyurbinsky districts of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Field materials were collected through included observation, in-depth interviewing, audio, photo and video fixation. In this study, the authors were deeply interested in rural residents who are close and involved in hunting activities from an early age. The paper attempts to record the transformation of hunting activity and to present the current state of hunting among the Yakuts in the studied areas. This paper is the first attempt to comprehensively study and record the transformation in hunting activity. The study examines the ritual and ceremonial component, the tools used and methods of catching prey. The main conclusions of the work are that hunting for many is an active form of recreation, leisure, i.e. it is no longer a subsidiary farm, since it does not bring economic benefits. The findings also include the emergence of new hunting methods using modern technologies. However, it is necessary to note the preservation of some ritual or ceremonial elements of hunting, in some form the sacredness of the activity is also preserved.

DOI: 10.25136/2409-8744.2019.6.31519

Abstract: This article raises the question of current socio-cultural processes, namely transformation of the traditional culture of Yakuts. This process captures all areas of daily life – from chores to leisure and festive activities. Practically all aspects of human life are subjected to transformation; however, the field observations demonstrated that in the Central and Western parts of Sakha Republic remains an “islet”, which is not overly affected by the transformation – the hunting. The article explores the questions regarding hunting activity of the Yakuts based on the ethnographic and field materials, accumulate in the territories of Olyokminsk, Vilyuysky, Verkhnevilyuysky and Nyurbniksky districts of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). The study provides an ethnographic review of hunting methods, as well as certain rituals and pretenses associates with hunting activity in Yakutia. The authors also give characteristics to the changes in the traditional industry, as well as the attitude of modern hunters to their activity.