The Kalmyks
By: Elza-Bair Guchinova ; translated by David C. Lewis.
Publisher: RoutledgeCurzon
Published: 2006
Place of publication: Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon; New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 260
Subjects: Kalmyks -- Ethnic identity; Kalmyks -- Folklore; Kalmyks -- Social life and customs
Description: "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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Pages of history : from medieval Oirats to contemporary Kalmyks; title: Deportation as a collective trauma : 13 years, 13 days; title: Diaspora and identity; title: Language and ethno-linguistic situation; title: Traditional economy and dwelling; title: Family and gender stereotypes; title: Life-cycle rites; title: Food, dress and ornament; title: Folk handicrafts and decorative-applied arts; title: Religion, the calendar and festivals; title: Folk arts and epic; title: The leader of the nation and the idea of nationhood.