Autochthones Concepts of Power and Expression: Zabaikal (East Siberia, Russia) Orochen-Evenki Occasion Comparative Studies (end) Cover Image

Autochtonų Galios Sampratos Bei Raiška : Užbaikalės (Rytų Sibiras, Rusija) Oročėnų-Evenkų Lyginamoji Studija
Autochthones Concepts of Power and Expression: Zabaikal (East Siberia, Russia) Orochen-Evenki Occasion Comparative Studies (end)

Author(s): Donatas Brandišauskas
Subject(s): Social Philosophy, Cultural Anthropology / Ethnology
Published by: Visuomeninė organizacija »LOGOS«
Keywords: power; luck; domination and cooperation; personhood; Orochen-Evenki; comparative studies;

Summary/Abstract: Drawing on ethnographic and comparative sources, this article investigates the underdeveloped concepts of power and luck in the anthropology of circumpolar societies. It shows that the vernacular notion of Siberian mastery can be described as relational forms of power intrinsic to interactions among humans, animals and spirits associated with different places, material objects and experiences of luck. Hence, the article suggests that hunters and reindeer herders of Zabaikal‘e engage in complex relations of cooperation with other persons aiming to gain luck and maintain well-being, while at the same time relying on aggression to achieve hunting and herding success. This research is critical of statements found in countless circumpolar ethnographies that non-human beings give themselves to hunters and herders as long as they are treated with respect. Rather it will be suggested that these power interactions with other beings are rather based on complex relations as well as experiences infused with anxiety, ambiguity and doubt.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 68
  • Page Range: 72-82
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Lithuanian