The Soul of Stone: Mineral Symbolism in Vepsian Villages of Karelia
The Soul of Stone: Mineral Symbolism in Vepsian Villages of Karelia
Author(s): Anna VarfolomeevaSubject(s): Social Sciences, Cultural history, Geography, Regional studies, Regional Geography, Environmental Geography, Social development, Rural and urban sociology, Sociology of Culture, Economic development, Environmental interactions, 18th Century, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: Центр независимых социологических исследований (ЦНСИ)
Keywords: Indigenous Peoples; Vepses; Karelia; Mining; Stone Symbolism;
Summary/Abstract: This article is a case study of the northern Vepses, an indigenous group residing in the Republic of Karelia, and their relations with mining industry. As early as the eighteenth century, Vepses in Karelia were involved in the extraction of rare decorative minerals (gabbro-diabase and raspberry quartzite), and this involvement continues today. The article discusses the variety of symbolic meanings stone has for contemporary residents of Vepsian villages, who see it simultaneously as a source of hardship, struggle, and pride. Local residents view nature and stoneworking as interconnected, seeing mining development in the region as a consequence of its natural richness. This case study illustrates that indigenous lifestyles, industrial development, and nature may be perceived as coexisting and interconnected elements.
Journal: Laboratorium. Журнал социальных исследований
- Issue Year: 8/2016
- Issue No: 2
- Page Range: 11-31
- Page Count: 21
- Language: English