Tuvan Hunting Traditions: An Ethnographic Perspective

Abstract

Introduction. The world witnesses a dramatic abundance of problems. Still, those are the destruction of nature and extinction of animal species that tend to become the most pressing ones. Currently, many young Tuvan hunters have no knowledge of the traditional hunting etiquette of their ancestors, do not observe the ancient nature conservation traditions and customs. Poaching proves a definitely negative factor in the violation of the ecological balance. Goals. The article aims to study the hunting traditions of the Tuvans which used to be and still are the basis for maintaining the ecological balance and biological diversity in Tuva. It also attempts to systemize some hunting rites and summarize related materials available. Materials and Methods. The work analyzes pre-revolutionary historical and ethnographic sources, as well as field materials of the authors. The employed method of historicism makes it possible to consider the elements of culture in a developmental perspective. Traditional methods of ethnography ― comparative and field research ones ― are also used. Results. The comprehensive analysis of historical, ethnographic, and folklore materials ― along with the mentioned systemization ― concludes that the hunting traditions of the Tuvans, like those of other Sayan-Altay peoples, are the most ancient elements of ethnic culture and traditional ritual practices. The close and long association of hunters with nature led to that they had to follow numerous unwritten rules and prohibitions. Any hunting area was necessarily supposed to be owned by its ‘master’ that was to be honored through offerings. Hunters believed such master spirits could turn into people or wild animals.