Magic in Economic Practices of Inner Asian Nomadic Livestock Breeders

• Main Authors: Marina M. Sodnompilova, Bair Z. Nanzatov
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Российской академии наук, Калмыцкий научный центр 2020-09-01
• Series: Oriental Studies
• Subjects: inner asia; turkic peoples; mongolic peoples; traditional worldview; livestock breeding; magic; ritual
• Online Access: https://kigiran.elpub.ru/jour/article/view/2269

Introduction. Breeding of domestic animals capable of surviving across different ecological niches of Inner Asia proved crucial to nomadic culture and its biological adaptation to harsh and unpredictable natural conditions of the region. So, it is livestock embodied in the concept of taban hoshuu mal ― ‘five types of livestock’ (horses, camels, cattle, sheep and goats) ― that serves as fundamental nomadic wealth. However, the traditional livestock breeding practices of Inner Asian nomads which had ensured the development of unique nomadic civilization still remain understudied and need further research. Goals. The article seeks to analyze a corpus of ideas and irrational practices used in livestock breeding, identify their functions and meanings. Results. The study describes magical techniques aimed at increasing the fecundity and productivity of livestock, its protection against predators and thieves. The paper identifies representations that endow related household items (lashes, ropes, horse tack, dishes) with special supernatural powers. Examined are views and magic tricks associated with infectious disease control. The work proves that the key idea of the whole range of magical actions used in livestock breeding was to preserve the ‘happiness / luck of livestock’ personified by animals as such, their coat colors, wool, bones, milk, manure, and specific household items. It is concluded that the fire of the hearth has been the main guardian of ‘livestock’s happiness’ since ancient times.