Animals as an object of sacrifice in modern reindeer herder community of Chukotka

Abstract (English)

The research was based on data collected in Chukotka in 2016-2024. Sacrifices of reindeer and dogs played an important role in local culture in the past (Bogoraz, 1907). Of interest is the extent to which this tradition has been preserved and how it is conceptualized by Chukchies at present.
Research has shown that many nomadic herder families continues to performed the ritual of sacrifice, when live reindeer are slaughtered, usually twice a year (spring and fall). The sacrifice are usually accompanied by a large number of other rituals (making fire by friction, feeding spirits and praying to them, preparing ritual food, commemorating the dead, etc.) as well as by festive activities (playing the tambourine, running competitions, etc.).
Besides, sacrifices are often made at other times, but in a greatly reduced form: a live reindeer is not slaughtered, but is replaced by traditionally prepared reindeer sausage (rorat) or by another object.
Both herders themselves and other local people believe that sacrifices contribute to economic success of herding, in particular by preserving the reindeer from wolves. Herders justify this position rationally, explaining that wolves are able to sense the condition of reindeer and herders, and families performing rituals regularly manage their herds more confidently and skillfully. Indeed, in economically disadvantaged pastoralist households, sacrifices are usually not performed.
Until recently, dog sacrifices were performed if the dog's owner died, as well as in case of his illness and in a number of other cases, including if the dog was “too smart” (performed actions that are peculiar only to humans).
In one of the villages reindeer herding was lost and the villagers turned to fishing. They continue to perform sacrifices symbolically by replacing live reindeer with their traditional images. In addition, they symbolically sacrifice dried fish.
They explain this ritual by their desire to thank Nature, which provides them with sustenance. Thus, the sacrifice takes on a strong ecological meaning.

The research was supported by the RSF project “Changing Materiality of the Arctic and Siberia: Technologies, Innovations, Infrastructure” (No. 23–18–00637).