Wild look in the life of the Komi

Living in the Komi Republic (a federal subject of Russia) with harsh natural conditions, it was not until the middle of the 20th century that the Komi tribe was exposed to the civilized world. Therefore, the traditional way of life and customs of the Komi people remain intact.

Komi children in traditional costumes. Photo: Komi Republic Historians estimate that the Komi have lived in the Komi Republic since the Middle Ages and were completely isolated from the world around them. During the Soviet era (1922-1991), villages of the Komi people deep in the remote forest were discovered. Along with the rapid modernization taking place in life, the Komi people have developed many programs and plans to preserve their culture. Currently, the Komi language is included in the school curriculum for the children of the Komi tribe to preserve and preserve the tribal heritage. Like the Nenets, the Komi are reindeer herders and loggers. Reindeer herding is organized by the Komi tribe into groups, each group has more than 50 people and reindeer herds about 115,000 heads. The reindeer grazing routes of the Komi people are quite long, up to 400km. Reindeer are raised for food, transportation, clothing and handicrafts (from reindeer antlers). About 20% of the reindeer in the Komi Republic are privately owned, with the rest belonging to agricultural councils. Reindeer herders have their own holiday called “Teryb kor.” “Teryb kor” in the Komi language means “quick reindeer.” The festival is usually held during the spring equinox, during which there will be a sleigh race between reindeer herders. Historically, the Komi have been matriarchal, but due to the influence of Christianity, the marriage system of the Komi is similar to that of the Russians. Komi values ​​and beliefs are evident in their oral songs and folklore. Sacred animals are always honored in Komi culture, especially sharp-toothed fish and ducks. Therefore, the bones of these animals are often used to make amulets. The Komi are also known for their musical abilities. Folk songs often refer to all aspects of life from birth to death. Their oral stories often emphasize attachment to nature, ideals of hard work and hospitality and generosity. The Komi people possess many different traditional stringed instruments, the most famous being the balalaika with its hollow triangular body design and guitar-like strings. Embroidery is quite popular in the Komi community. Komi women often have a headband embroidered with colorful threads with different geometric patterns. A Komi girl will start embroidering a headband before getting married. The headbands of the brides are embroidered with decorative beads, while the headbands of the married women are embroidered with silver and gold threads. Komi men are well versed in woodcarving. All Komi household items are made of wood such as bowls, plates, cabinets and decorations. In addition to wood carving, the Komi are also highly skilled in jewelry making, machining, stamping, and metal engraving. Crafts such as knitting are also developed by the Komi with elaborate and beautiful products. Materials for knitting include pine roots, birch bark, straw… Currently, the tourism industry is also very developed and generates additional income for the Komi. Many unspoiled eco-tourism destinations always attract many visitors such as the Pechora mountain range with taiga forests, coniferous forests, mineral springs rivers and large caves.n