Военное дело чукчей (середина XVII—начало XX в.)

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SUMMARY

Sources of the researched topic could be divided into two main groups: material and written. First group involve few archaeological data, rare artifacts in world museum collections and some iconographic materials. Another group refer to oral folk records (the largest body of data), official documents and notes of travelers, among whom we could mark out Dr. K. Merk's and his description of Chukchi.

Chronological frames of this research could be determined by the second half of the 17^th century with the appearance of first authentic written evidences, which were mainly Cossack reports. On the other hand must be mentioned ethnographical and oral folklore materials related to events of the 18^th century. Although armed conflicts between Chukchi and their neighbours, mostly Russians and Koiyaks, stopped in the end of the 18^th century, Chukchi raid Alaska Eskimos up to 40's of the 19^th century and from time to time struggled with each other in individual collisions or family encounters during first quarter of the 20^th century. Most part of evidence about Chukchi belongs to the 19^th—20^th centuries.

As long as the Coastal Chukchi and Asiatic Eskimos resemble both in material culture and warfare, information about them should be considered together. The majority of Chukchi were nomads and reindeer-breeders and most part of materials concerns them.

Military organisation. In case of any menace all adult men were warriors. Council, where rich herd-owners and patriarchs played a leading role, decided major political matters within kin group. In intertribal contacts elders made decisive final opinion and their representatives were able to make peace on behalf of the group. At the same time existed council of several «friendly» kin groups, which functioned from time to time as required. Council of patriarchs that also played important part in everyday life was in charge of preparing warfare plans.

For the military campaign Chukchi were choosing the war leader whose position usually coincide with status of the family master. In the 18^th century large coalitions consist of separate tribal groups, headed by toions (chiefs) who were in charge both in war and politics, begin to form. Besides, this position could be hereditary. However because of armistice this position disappeared from majority of Chukchi groups. According to Chukchi traditions relatives owe to help each other in all matters, that is a typical psychology of kindred group, fighting for its survival. Genetic relatives formed a main body of the military force. Although women by tradition accompanied men in campaigns, usually they were not participating in military operations. During campaign women fulfill their ordinary domestic duties, while the Eskimo women were rowing baydars as needed. However if enemy unexpectedly attacked kin group, women could defend and even participated in single combats. From dozen to hundreds men took part in ordinary raids; while in conflicts with Russians, who encroach upon freedom and even upon existence of Chukchi, the latter were able to gather an army up to two or three thousand people.