Title: The Kalmyks /
Authors: Guchinova, Ė.-B.
Publisher: Routledge,
Year: 2006
Subjects: Kalmyks Ethnic identity.; Kalmyks Folklore.; Kalmyks Social life and customs.
Abstract: "This book provides an original and fascinating perspective on a little-known Asiatic people, whose history and culture have become intertwined with that of Europe. Providing a comprehensive introduction to the Kalmyk people, the twelve chapters provide a broad overview of the Kalmyk way of life by exploring many diverse themes, including: history; diaspora and identity; language; economy; the family; gender; food, dress and ornament; religion and the arts; and ethnicity and ideas of nationhood." "Written by a leading Kalmyk academic, this practical guide to the Kalmyk people will be a valuable resource for all those interested in the Caucasus region."--BOOK JACKET.
Contents: Pages of history : from medieval Oirats to contemporary Kalmyks -- Deportation as a collective trauma : thirteen years, thirteen days -- Diaspora and identity -- Language and ethno-linguistic situation -- Traditional economy and dwelling -- Family and gender stereotypes -- Life cycle rites -- Food, dress and ornament -- Folk handicrafts and decorative-applied arts -- Religion, the calendar and festivals -- Folk arts and epic -- The leader of the nation and the idea of nationhood.