Magic in Economic Practices of Inner Asian Nomadic Livestock Breeders
https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2020-47-1-93-105
Abstract
Introduction. Breeding of domestic animals capable of surviving across different ecological niches of Inner Asia proved crucial to nomadic culture and its biological adaptation to harsh and unpredictable natural conditions of the region. So, it is livestock embodied in the concept of taban hoshuu mal ― ‘five types of livestock’ (horses, camels, cattle, sheep and goats) ― that serves as fundamental nomadic wealth. However, the traditional livestock breeding practices of Inner Asian nomads which had ensured the development of unique nomadic civilization still remain understudied and need further research. Goals. The article seeks to analyze a corpus of ideas and irrational practices used in livestock breeding, identify their functions and meanings. Results. The study describes magical techniques aimed at increasing the fecundity and productivity of livestock, its protection against predators and thieves. The paper identifies representations that endow related household items (lashes, ropes, horse tack, dishes) with special supernatural powers. Examined are views and magic tricks associated with infectious disease control. The work proves that the key idea of the whole range of magical actions used in livestock breeding was to preserve the ‘happiness / luck of livestock’ personified by animals as such, their coat colors, wool, bones, milk, manure, and specific household items. It is concluded that the fire of the hearth has been the main guardian of ‘livestock’s happiness’ since ancient times.
Supporting agencies: The reported study was funded by Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, project no. XII.191.1.1. ‘The Transboundary Spaces of Russia, Mongolia and China: History, Culture, Contemporary Society’, state reg. no. АААА-А17-117021310269-9. The authors express particular gratitude to Professor G. Tserenkhand for the kindly submitted field data.
About the Authors
Marina M. Sodnompilova
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the RAS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dr. Sc. (History), Leading Research Associate
6, Sakhyanova St., Ulan-Ude 670047, Russian Federation
Bair Z. Nanzatov
Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the RAS
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Cand. Sc. (History), Senior Research Associate
6, Sakhyanova St., Ulan-Ude 670047, Russian Federation
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For citations:
Sodnompilova M.M., Nanzatov B.Z. Magic in Economic Practices of Inner Asian Nomadic Livestock Breeders. Oriental Studies. 2020;13(1):93-105. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.22162/2619-0990-2020-47-1-93-105
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