ETHNOGRAPHY OF ARCTIC EURASIA 203 



Russian Contributions to and Adaptations of 

 Native Culture 



However, even in this spiritually debased state the Russian popu- 

 lation in the loneliest places still appears to a certain extent as the 

 bearer and spreader of culture; and in every branch of material 

 life the effect can be noted of the more advanced culture brought from 

 the west and to a certain extent individually developed in its new home. 



First the Russians brought with, them iron, which speedily spread 

 among the northern tribes and almost completely replaced stone 

 and bone implements. Iron articles first were sold at a high price. 

 For instance, a hatchet bought as many sables as could be drawn 

 through the opening in its head. But later iron implements became 

 more common. An iron belt knife sufficiently strong and long be- 

 came with both Russians and natives a necessary adjunct of a man's 

 equipment. 



The other adjunct of a man, not less indispensable, is an iron 

 ax. Gradually this is ground off up to the head and in time turns 

 into a hatchet. Of all implements of the Stone Age the stone axes 

 are the least adapted to their work, and therefore the natives espe- 

 cially valued the iron axes. Subsequently the Russians taught 

 blacksmithing to the natives and in various regions have continued 

 as blacksmiths to the present day. 



Furthermore, the Russians brought that "fire fight" itself which 

 had helped the Cossack conquerors to subjugate the native tribes 

 so quickly and easily. The gun of the polar zone has remained till 

 now, within the limits of Russian influence, mainly a flint one. On 

 the other hand, in the farthest regions of the eastern country even 

 the Russians themselves have not yet lost the art of using the bow. 



The Russians brought the material for manufacturing fishing nets, 

 viz. hemp, linen, flax thread, which supplanted such native materials 

 as willow and nettles. 



Of branches of local material culture adopted and at the same 

 time improved by the Russians we may note, for instance, that of 

 dog breeding. Russian sledge dogs, the Russian narta and harness, 

 the Russian way of driving are considered the best and are imitated 

 by all native tribes. 



Contrary to this, the Russian newcomers absolutely nowhere 

 showed any inclination to reindeer breeding. With all their mobility 

 and modesty in living requirements the Russians were devoted to a 

 settled and permanent life, to daily rest in warm and dry quarters 

 under a strongly built roof. They had no wish to become nomads; 

 all the allurements of reindeer breeding were ineffective; most of them 

 joined the fishermen along the lower courses of the great rivers who 

 were tied to their habitat by the abundance of fish coming from the 

 sea and by a relative ease of existence. 



