Artur A. Kyrzhinakov

TRADITIONAL ORIENTATION SYSTEM IN THE MOUNTAINOUS TAIGA REGION AMONG THE KHAKASS PEOPLE

This article examines traditional Khakass methods of orientation in the mountain taiga. The orientation system was primarily developed from an early age, beginning at the age of 7-8, first near their home, farmstead, or village, and then in the distant taiga. This formed a map of the area in the taiga dweller’s mind. The main elements of orientation were natural features: mountains, rivers, ravines, cliffs, and crags. Khakass taiga dwellers navigated by celestial bodies – the sun, moon, and the North Star. Words played an important role in orientation during economic activities in the taiga: the names of mountains, terrain, rivers, ledges, ravines, passes, and river fords were used to create a virtual map in the mind. Special signs, such as notches on a trivet, were used to indicate the direction, route, and number of hunters. The direction of the route and the number of taiga dwellers were also indicated by small stones laid out near the campfire. To mark their route, they used “oyyg” notches on trees. Our research is based primarily on the author’s ethnographic fieldwork.