Introduction of the reindeer image into the culture of Old Sami people

Abstract

The subject of this research is the process of introducing the reindeer image into the life and culture of Old Sami people. From the perspective of cultural continuity, the author sets a scientific task to find culturological evidence of the existence of Old Sami people (native speakers of the southern genetic component of the Sami language). The method of conducing this research is the records of décor element, their direct comparison applicable the culture and geographical location of the settlement of Old Sami people. The territory between the Upper Sukhona and the Upper Volga Rivers is selected as geographical location for introduction of the reindeer image into the culture of Old Sami people. The analysis of acquired data gives outlook on the culturological situation in the middle of the 1st millennium BC. The reindeer image is introduced into decorative and applied art, as well as into the culture (lifestyle, household). For getting a broader perspective, the author carries the analysis of toponyms and climatic processes of this period. The novelty of this work consists in application of the synthesis of sciences to the question of comprehension of the cultural processes taking place within the environment of Old Sami people during their dwelling between the Upper Sukhona and the Upper Volga Rivers. The research result consists in acquisition of data that specify the time and place of introduction of the reindeer image into the culture of Old Sami people. The visual match of decorative geometric elements in the Sami decorative patterns and regional decorative ornaments gives grounds on the historically common main cultural heritage in the decorative and applied art of the indicated region. The conclusion lies in finding the culturological evidence of dwelling of the ancient Sami people in the territory between the Upper Sukhona and the Upper Volga Rivers, and the process of cultural development taking place during this period.