Status of Dulguyak-Qadai in Tuvan Traditional Culture: Mid-19th to Early 21st Centuries

Abstract

Goals. The article studies the socio-age group of dulguyak-qadai (Tuv. ‘old maid’), specific features of their status in traditional and contemporary Tuvan society. The institution of marriage has always been highly valued in Tuva, and central life goal of any Tuvan woman was to become a hereezhen kizhi, i.e. wife and mother. So, the dulguyak-qadai used to be objects of pity or even neglect. Old maids — as well as the very concept of dulguyak — constituted and literally denoted a ‘deviation’ from the traditional worldview and established Tuvan social structure, though remaining its active integral part which would significantly undermine patriarchal foundations of Tuvan community. Materials. The work analyzes historical, ethnographic data collected during 2018-2019 comprehensive expeditions to a number of districts (and other sources) revealing why women stay unmarried, the latter’s roles in their parental families, attitudes of other relatives and those of community members in general. Results. The paper notes some present-day features of the phenomenon in the context of vanishing folk traditions and increasing globalization processes. The field materials obtained from authentic traditional culture bearers are valuable enough, and can be instrumental in compiling curricula and instructional guidelines for ethnic schools, at folk pedagogy advisory meetings, etc.