Chinese migrants in the territory of the Barguzin region in the first half of the 20th century: ethnoeconomic aspects

Abstract

In this paper we consider the features of the contribution of Chinese migrants to the ethnoeconomic practices of the communities of the Barguzin basin, based on modern approaches to cultural geography and field research. The research area covers an island forest-steppe and steppe, surrounded by mountain-taiga areas. In the valley of the river Barguzin meadow steppes are replaced by forest-steppes and swampy areas. The diversity of natural environment provided a basis for the formation of various systems of ethnic wildlife management. During the establishing their residency the representatives of Evenks, Buryats, Russians, Poles, Jews, Chinese, Tatars, Ukrainians, Byelorussians and others formed the basis of ethnoeconomic practices and traditional economy as a whole complex of socio-natural observations, ideas, mutual interpretation of the traditions of various groups of local population. The key role of cultural traditions and nature management in formation of spatial features of the economic activities of local inhabitants is due to their historical continuity and compliance with both the needs of society and the landscape-geographical environment. The research resulted in a conclusion about the stable idea of the local population about their territorial unity and ethnic tolerance of the Barguzin community. The combination of hunting, nomadic cattle breeding, focal agriculture, farming, lake and river fishing, gathering reveals a connection between people and the natural-geographical and ethno-cultural features of the territory.