Contemporary Beliefs of Northern Wild Deer Hunters (the Case of Chirinda Evenki)

Abstract

The article discusses contemporary beliefs of the Chirinda Evenki whose livelihood is grounded in northern wild deer hunting. The author attempts to examine whether traces of archaic beliefs of wild deer hunters (distinctive sacral attitude toward the head and bones of the animal, as well as other hunting prohibitions) have survived among the people under study. The results of the study testify to the fact that a deep stratum of traditional beliefs has been preserved among the Chirinda Evenki, but those related precisely to the wild deer have been nearly entirely forgotten. The cause may be seen in the fact that dikovka (“northern deer hunting”) is conducted on a wide scale and within a short timespan, which is why hunters do not have enough time to hold appropriate rituals.