Traditional Animal Husbandry of Transbaikalia Old Believers (Semeiskiye): Dynamics and Symbolism

Abstract

The article is devoted to traditional animal husbandry in the economic complexes of the Old Believers (Semeiskie), who live in Transbaikalia, in valleys of the rivers Selenga, Khilok and Chikoy since the mid-18^th century. It is noted that Semeiskiye animal husbandry was always of subsidiary nature and included the breeding of large and small cattle. Livestock complex is considered in the dynamics during the 19^th, 20^th and early 21^st century. It is shown that the transformation processes in Semeiskiye farms associated with historical transitions that occurred in the 20^th century, such as the establishment of Soviet power, the perestroika period, determined the modern look of livestock farming. The author points out that Semeiskiye non-material culture contains many elements of pagan themes of the pre-Petrine era, expressed in rites, beliefs and omens. In the article one can trace it in relation to animals and the products obtained from them. It is reported that the special attitude of Old Believers is saved to the horse. The author proves that it is a relict phenomenon of the old Slavic ancient horse cult, which can be observed in our days. When writing this work, archival sources were used, firstly introduced into scientific circulation, as well as field materials of the author for 2007-2017.