Mobility and Technology: Understanding the Vulnerability of Two Groups of Nomadic Pastoralists to Reindeer Losses

Abstract

Abstract Between the nineteenth and early twentieth century reindeer mortality, particularly that caused by outbreaks of Siberian anthrax (sibirka), was proportionately higher among Komi herds than amongst those of the Nenets, despite both groups pasturing animals in close proximity to one another, principally within the Bol'shezemel'skaya tundra. Intriguingly, to escape infected land caused by these outbreaks, the Komi emigrated to new regions whereas the Nenets appeared to be relatively unaffected. However, upon closer examination of historical data, it is apparent that proportionately the Nenets lost track of twice as many reindeer compared to the Komi. Previous studies, despite providing little if any concrete evidence, suggested that characteristics of the Komi reindeer herding system (technology) made their reindeer more susceptible to sickness than those of the Nenets. This study, which involved anthropological field research as well as the use of historical data and literature, focused on analysing the following characteristics of reindeer herding technology between the two groups: (a) veterinary knowledge (b) frequency of herd observation, (c) frequency of movement, (d) pattern of pasturing. It was found that: veterinary knowledge between Komi and Nenets was commensurate and thus cannot be used as an explanatory factor; Komi herds were more frequently observed than those of the Nenets; Komi moved more frequently than the Nenets and spent less time at encampments; and the migration routes of Komi were longer and their pasturing corridors narrower than those of the Nenets. Differences in herd observation explained the differences in lost reindeer between the Komi and Nenets. The Komi were less able to identify and treat sick reindeer due to more frequent movements, larger herd sizes and less frequent corralling of the main productive herd compared to the Nenets. The length of migration routes and narrowness of pasturing corridors reduced the Komis' pasturing flexibility and thus their ability to avoid infected pastures compared to the Nenets. These results are relevant to both historical and contemporary herding practices.