essay

The Samoyed

Un été chez les SamoyèdesParis • Published In 1921 • Pages: HRAF ms: 1, 13 l. [Original: 159-180 ]

By: Bénard, Charles, b. 1867, Messner, Charles A..

Abstract
The author, president of the Société dOcéanographie de France at the time, spent from July to October of 1914 on the island of Novaya Zemlya making meteorological and geological studies. Only chapter 7 has been translated. In this chapter, the author gives briefly an ethnographic account of the Samoyed of Novaya Zemlya. He describes their physical characteristics, clothing, hunting and fishing, what each part of the reindeer is used for, animals hunted, trade with the Russians, introduction of some Russian elements into Samoyed culture, diet, notions about cleanliness, travel, religion and the influence of the Russians, the Samoyed fear of death and dead bodies, and a typical family tent and its contents. The complete text of a song “Death” is also given. Bénard concludes by wondering whether or not the Samoyed would benefit and be happy with the introduction of modernisms into their culture.
Subjects
Culture summary
Cultural identity and pride
Verbal arts
Mythology
History
Acculturation and culture contact
Hunting and trapping
Animal by-products
Exchange transactions
General character of religion
Literary texts
Life and death
culture
Samoyed
HRAF PubDate
2012
Region
Asia
Sub Region
North Asia
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Natural Scientist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Heather Fellows ; John Beierle ; 1951-1975, Teferi Abate Adem; 2012
Field Date
July-October 1914
Coverage Date
1914-1921
Coverage Place
Samoyed settlments, Novaya Zemlya, Russian North
Notes
Charles Bénard
Translation of: [Les Samoyédes]
Translated for the HRAF files by Charles A. Messner and edited in 1951
LCCN
21011515
LCSH
Samoyeds