Nutrition as a cultural code: food artifacts of the indigenous peoples of the North from the collection of the Museum of Nature and Man.

Abstract (English)

Museum collections are not just a collection of objects, but living evidence of culture, including those conveying the unique food traditions of the peoples of the North. The Museum of Nature and Man in Khanty-Mansiysk contains many authentic artifacts collected during expeditions and presented at permanent and temporary exhibitions. They allow you not only to see, but also to feel the features of traditional nutrition.
Preserving food artifacts in a museum is a difficult task, as organic materials are susceptible to rapid deterioration. However, it is possible to collect and exhibit those products that are originally designed for long-term storage in a traditional environment. Visitors are particularly interested in authentic products, such as dried meat, which demonstrate traditional food preparation methods. Unlike mock-ups, real food artifacts retain their authenticity and evoke a much greater response from the audience.
However, nutrition is not only a matter of physical survival, but also an essential element of spiritual culture. The museum's collection includes ritual treats collected at the traditional Khanty and Mansi festivals. Among them, a special place is occupied by bread products associated with Bear games – the rite of honoring the spirit of the bear, the rite of feeding the Moon "Behind the Pores" and other sacred events. These artifacts clearly demonstrate how food becomes a link between the human world and spirits, plays a key role in rituals and conveys sacred meanings.
The museum's storage of authentic food artifacts allows not only to preserve traditional culture, but also to introduce it to modern society. Through these objects, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural codes and identity of the Nordic peoples. It is important to continue research and popularize knowledge about traditional nutrition, because it is an integral part of cultural heritage worthy of attention and respect.