Priroda v tradit︠s︡ionnom mirovozzrenii nent︠s︡ev

Description:

The book examines traditional beliefs and rites of the Nenets, reflecting their relationship with nature. The first chapter outlines the nature of their sacred knowledge about the world (cosmos), the hierarchy of supreme gods and local spirits, human environment, methods of terrain orientation, different measures, diseases, traditional medicine and its sacred aspects. The second chapter is devoted to the forms of worship and protection of the environment. It examines fur-bearing animals, game birds and fish worship, seasonal rites and taboos of the Nenets people, having been formed with the view for nature protection. The author believes the life-cycle rites, seasonal and calendar events could so far be considered harmonizing and stabilizing factors in the life of the Nenets tundra. The appendix contains a large thematic vocabulary provided with lists of omens, superstitions, signs, and calendars. The work is based on published sources and author's own expedition's data.

subjects: Nentsy,  Religion,  Rites and ceremonies