Ethnographies

The Evenk are hunters, fishermen, and gatherers who keep reindeer and horses primarily for transportation. They are one of the most widespread and formerly largely nomadic peoples of Eurasia. The Evenk inhabit an area stretching from Western Siberia in the west to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east and from the Taymyr Peninsula in the north to the steppe region of Buryatia in the south. In addition to Russia, there are also Evenk-speaking communities in China.

The Evenk probably came to Eastern and Central Siberia from the middle Amur region not too long ago. Since the 17th century or even earlier, they crossed the Yenisei River and assimilated some indigenous groups living in Central and Western Siberia, who adopted the Evenk language.

The Evenk language is one of the Manchu-Tungusic languages, which together with Mongolian and Turkic languages belong to the Altaic language family.

Originally, the Evenk were hunters who used reindeer for transportation during their nomadic migrations. They still spend most of their time in the taiga hunting and gathering, taking small herds of 10-40 animals with them. During their stays in the taiga, they visit old dwellings and perform rituals at significant locations. By “wandering in the taiga,” the Evenk are able to maintain their customary mobility and preserve traditional ecological knowledge.

Shamanism was widespread among the Evenk. The shaman's costume was of particular importance for becoming a shaman and for later ritual activities.

Ethnographic items from museum collections are commented on by locals in videos.