From August 8 to 10, the next stage of the international ethnographic expedition of the Greater Altai project took place. A group of researchers led by Ivan Nazarov, an expert at the Research and Educational Center for Altaic and Turkic Studies "The Greater Altai", and Director of the Institute of History and International Affairs at Altai State University, visited communities of indigenous and small-numbered peoples of Altai Krai and the Altai Republic. The expedition participants also attended the celebrations of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9 in the village of Turochak and on August 10 in the city of Biysk.
"On August 9, the world celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day. It is important to recognize that many indigenous peoples are also small in number, with only a few individuals remaining who know their languages and traditions. In the Altai Republic, such groups include the Telengits, Chelkans, Tubalars, and Kumandins. The Kumandins, the last of these, also reside in Altai Krai. All of these small peoples, who speak related Turkic languages, are linked by a shared history and many elements of both material and spiritual culture. Some aspects of this ancient ethnocultural heritage, such as song traditions, traditional cuisine, and beliefs, have survived to the present day. It is vital to document and preserve this heritage for future generations. The processes of globalization and assimilation pose significant challenges to these communities, making it essential for society as a whole to support the preservation of their languages and cultures. Moreover, the practices developed within indigenous communities themselves for working with their ethnocultural heritage are of great interest. We observe how this heritage is maintained at the family level, within settlements, or across an entire nation. Simultaneously, unofficial museums, ethnocenters, and other institutions are established to pass on knowledge about history and traditions to younger generations, engaging various segments of the population,” said Ivan Nazarov.
Students from the Institute of History and International Affairs at Altai State University also participated in the expedition. They became acquainted with the traditional cultures of the Kumandins, Tubalars, and Chelkans, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of a contemporary ethnocultural festival. The students shared their impressions.
Valery Mozgalev, a master’s student at the Institute of History and International Affairs, said:
"Our journey made a lasting impression. We experienced the renowned Altai hospitality, where, despite the adverse weather, everyone greeted us warmly and treated us with genuine care. During the trip, we observed the festive traditions of the northern Altai Tubalars, Chelkans, and Kumandins. I noticed that traditional rituals are an essential part of the modern holiday program. We also witnessed the active involvement of young people in preserving their native culture. In both the Altai Republic and Altai Krai, children and teenagers participate enthusiastically in the singing, dancing, and sports activities featured in these celebrations. Such events provide an excellent opportunity not only to showcase the wealth of the local people but also to serve as a platform for exchanging experiences among families, generations, and ethnic groups. It is also worth noting that these festivals attract the attention of local authorities, who actively support the work of ethnocultural organizations."
Ksenia Velts, anthropology and ethnology student, shared:
During my ethnology classes at university, we were taught that for an ethnographer it is essential to immerse oneself in the ethnic environment and to travel to meet the people being studied. I was fortunate enough to experience various aspects of the culture of the northern Altai people in just three days. I was particularly impressed by my visit to the Ortosh ethnocenter, where its owner, Pana Satlaeva, had created ideal conditions for exploring the culture of the Chelkans. Traditional music, cuisine, games, rituals, costumes, and jewelry, all of these elements combined provided me with an intense cultural experience and a unique opportunity to understand the work of an ethnographer firsthand. Now, I am certain that I have made the right professional choice.
Elena Kuksina, anthropology and ethnology student, said:
“This trip provided me with a valuable opportunity to gather knowledge for my research. I study the tea-drinking culture of Asian peoples. At a festival in the village of Turochak, I tried making braid decorations, listened to traditional music and songs, watched sports competitions, and, of course, learned about traditional food and tea. I sampled various types of Altai tea and recorded details about the guest welcoming ceremony. At the festival in Biysk, we observed a reconstruction of a Kumandin wedding ceremony, which also showcased the consumption of traditional dishes. The materials I collected will greatly assist me in further exploring the topic of tea culture.”
The ethnographers intend to continue their work within the communities of the indigenous peoples of Altai. The gathered materials will form the basis for scientific papers and photographic exhibitions.
The expedition participants express their gratitude to the Association of Indigenous and Minority Peoples of the Altai Republic, particularly Lyubov Peshperova, as well as to the Altai regional public organization "Association of Kumandins of Altai" and its leader, Vitaly Teberekov, for providing the opportunity to attend important ethnocultural events in the Altai Republic and Altai Krai.