Siberian Federal University

Issue

Journal of Siberian Federal University. Humanities & Social Sciences. 2026 19 (1)

Authors

Shpak, Anna A.; Koptseva, Maria S.

Contact information

Shpak, Anna A.: Siberian Federal University Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation; ; ORCID: 0000-0002-2948-8762; Koptseva, Maria S. : Siberian Federal University Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation; ; ORCID: 0009-0004-9363-5749

Keywords

Samoyedic peoples; Ents; Nenets; Nganasans; Selkups; food culture; indigenous peoples of the North; Arctic

Abstract

The article explores the unique features of the traditional cuisine of indigenous small-numbered peoples living in the Krasnoyarsk Territory of Russia, such as the Nenets, Ents, Nganasans, and Selkups. By analyzing their traditional food culture, we can identify specific ways they have adapted to the natural and climatic conditions of the Arctic region. We can also trace the connection between their diet and their material and spiritual cultures. It is shown that the indigenous peoples’ traditional diet was based on natural resources available in the tundra and taiga, including deer meat, blood, fish, wild plants, and animal fats. These foods provided a high energy content and helped them survive in the harsh environment of the Far North. Special attention is given to the significance of food in the spiritual culture of these people, where it serves both as a physical means of sustenance and as an integral part of their worldview. With globalization and changing traditional lifestyles, food habits are undergoing transformation, and some cultural practices are being lost. This underscores the need to research, document, and preserve these traditions as an essential component of the intangible cultural heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the Krasnoyarsk region

Pages

120–130

EDN

NTIPRS

Paper at repository of SibFU

https://elib.sfu-kras.ru/handle/2311/158107

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).