MAIN TENDENCIES OF MODERN ETHNOCULTURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE KUMANDINS OF ALTAI KRAI

Abstract

The article is devoted to the current trends of ethnic culturtural development of the Kumandin people in Altai Krai. The Kumandins represent an ethnic minority in Altai Krai, they are on the verge of disappearance. For modern science it is important to identify activity forms of traditional culture maintenance employed by small communities that live in alien environment. The author analyzes the measures taken by the regional authorities and the leaders of the Kumandin organizations. As the main direction for preservation and development of ethnic culture of Kumandins, the author studies what the Kumandins do to collect their cultural data, to edit books on their native language and traditional culture, to revive their folklore tradition, traditional clothes production, ritual practices, as well as integration of the Kumandin culture into the sphere of tourism and development of traditional cuisine. It is revealed that modern economic activity of the Kumandins has lost its traditional features. The basis of their life support is made by forms of modern economic activity. Members of modern communities conduct joint economic activity and participate in processes of revival of ethnic culture. Kumandin Public organizations aren't stable; however, they attempt to maintain their traditional culture. Their actions find support from the federal and regional authorities. The brightest manifestations of ethnocultural revival of Kumandins are: holding mass cultural and sporting events and holidays; studying, preservation and teaching the native language; creation of folklore collectives; vigorous exhibition and presentation activity; setting up tourist sites on their territory; development of gastronomic traditions; reconstruction of elements material (clothes, jewelry) and spiritual (national calendar, ceremony Kochokan) cultures.