On the Traditional Culture of Mordovians: Comments

Abstract

This text features critical comments and discussion of the article “Aspects of the Traditional Culture of the Samara Povolzhie Mordovians” by Nikolay Belenov who examines the cultural traditions and worldview aspects that are distinctive to the Mordovians, or Mordvins, of the Samara-Volga region (Samara Povolzhie). The author argues that many aspects of the culture of Samara Povolzhie Mordovians had most likely stemmed from the same roots, common to all ethnic groups of Mordovians, but must have undergone substantial changes after this particular group had settled in the geographical area of Samara Povolzhie. Tamara Vedernikova and Galina Kornishina debate the author’s arguments, expounding their own views on the matter and inviting the author to respond to their criticisms.