In recent months the international press have made several reports on Mongolia's reindeer people. These people, known as Tsataan are a group of nomads who live in the northern region of Khovsgol. They practice a lifestyle that is a virtual rarity in the world today. They are engaged in what is formally referred to as reindeer domestication. Reindeer are used primarily for transport, milk, and to a lesser extent, meat for consumption.
The Tsaatan people have recently become increasingly well known as their plight has been highlighted in the mass media. Among the problems confronting this ancient indigenous group of people are poverty, lack of access to food and limited access to healthcare. Environmental problems such as reproductive diseases that have infected their herds, as well as gold mining, tourism and timber exploitation have also taken their toll. And for an ancient people who have considered the forest to be sacred this is certainly more than a little disconcerting.
The situation is in fact so severe that estimates indicate just over 200 Tsataan people remain in the Mongolian taiga, the northern coniferous forest. It has become nothing less than devastating as an increase in commercial hunting has reduced their traditional sources of food. On some occasions the reindeer people have even been forced to consume some of their precious animals as their sole means of survival. And reports indicate there are only about 600 of the reindeer herd left.
The Impact of Changes in the Forest
On a human level the changes in the taiga ecosystem has been an unfathomable source of pain for the Tsaatan. And while the human suffering caused by this disturbing phenomenon may be evaluated in very definite terms, such as malnutrition, sickness and despair, the nature of this problem also takes on spiritual dimensions.
Tim Ingold, an anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, England has argued that the people of the vast tundras and coniferous forests of the world may vary in respect to language and culture but those who practice reindeer domestication share some basic similarities.
All of these people depend upon a variety of animals for their survival. But of all these animals the Rangifer Tarandus known as tsaa in northern Mongolia, reindeer in Europe and caribou in North America, it is truly unique. Throughout history travel reports indicate that people from all over the world were fascinated by the speed and agility of these awkward looking animals. Native people have often considered them an object of religious reverence. And in the western world they have long been considered a mythical creature.
Perhaps the single characteristic that sets them apart from other animals is their relationship with humans. Tame reindeer for example can be ridden like horses, driven like Dogs, milked like cows, and used as decoys in hunting expeditions, even in attempts to capture their own species. No other animal has been used in such diverse ways. Yet they have retained their own characteristics and have seldom been removed from their natural territory provided the environment maintains its vital features.
Not Just Another Beast of Burden
The reindeer are indeed a very intelligent animal. They are social animals by nature and tend to gather in structured groups.
They communicate among themselves and even communicate with humans. A thorough investigation of these animals has even revealed that decision making processes among the reindeer are affected by factors such as pasture access, migratory movements, and group status. And their antlers of course play a dominant role in defining the dominant members of the group.
The tendency of both humans and reindeer to formulate structured patterns of behavior to accomplish specific tasks has created a whole host of complex economic systems. In fact the relationship between humans and reindeer has even produced theoretical discussions about the evolution of human groups. Some social theorists argue that reindeer domestication often proceeds through a process whereby hunters utilize the reindeer primarily as a source of labor until they proceed to the pastoral stage when the reindeer then becomes an object for human consumption. A pastoral life then becomes the primary aim as increasing herds become a tangible sign of material wealth. Hides, fat, meat and other parts of the reindeer become commodities to be sold in the open market.
Reindeer Economies
The process by which this evolutionary process purportedly takes place is certainly quite intriguing. During the taming stage for example, hunters teach reindeer to perform the behaviors that will benefit them. And as part of a formal domestication process a relatively complex rapport is established between human and animal. And although the reindeer retains a degree of independence, if treated properly, a cooperative relationship with considerable loyalty develops. In these relations human kindness may be so effective in producing the desired behaviors that specific marks indicating ownership of the reindeer are not even necessary.
This is however in stark contrast to pastoralism, where the relationship between humans and reindeer is characterized not by cooperation or human kindness but by a system of control through symbiosis. This may involve specific behaviors such as providing the reindeer with protection from prey, or food in times of scarcity, but in the end they are almost always slaughtered for economic gain. This is clearly quite distinct from the domestication approach where the life of the reindeer are generally given great priority.
In the pastoral system the animals continue to be confined. They maintain many behaviors that had been adaptive in the wild. And the system of communication with their human counterparts is neither as complex nor cooperative as compared to the system of domestication.
The Cultural Significance of Reindeer for the Tsataan
So we can see the sheer importance of the reindeer particularly among Tsaatan who domesticate these animals cannot be overstated. And when we consider the traditional belief systems of many of these people we find that the elevated status of the reindeer often reflects this reality. In fact it is fascinating to note the reindeer are often accorded equal status to the human members of the group.
In an elaborate ritual of song the Tsataan often compose pleasing melodies to reward individual animals with a small supply of salt. The Tsataan are also known to sing songs to notify the animals of the needs of the young reindeer in the herd. Consequently members of this very unique community both human and reindeer alike are socialized into a system which reinforces mutual responsibility for the well being of the entire group.
It is therefore relatively easy to understand that as this finely tuned system of mutual adaptation is eroded, the challenges that this special group of people must endure are quite formidable. Amarsanna Altansan, a Cultural Anthropologist at the National University of Mongolia has indicated that urban migration is often coupled with a considerable amount of ambivalence. And while the material benefits of city life may seem desirable in many circumstances special problems are almost always encountered.
An insidious addiction to vodka may be among the worst of these problems. Although the causes for this have not been fully established it is perhaps just part of a whole range of social problems that impinge upon these people. It is also true that the general public is largely uninformed about the unique struggles of this unique indigenous group of people.
The Connection to Christmas Tradition
As we consider the situation of the Tsataan it may be relatively easy to be fascinated by a set of circumstances that are probably completely different from our own. And at the same time it is hard not to be impressed by the natural beauty of a lifestyle that may be sadly coming to an end. For the struggle of the reindeer people is surely part of a human tradition that is connected to our very own.
With this in mind it is indeed difficult not to ponder how this mythical creature became part of the modern yuletide tradition. A quick review of ancient history indicates that reindeer roamed across vast regions of not only Europe but North America and other places as well. Perhaps from distant memories of the past we continue to celebrate a tradition that retains a connection to our own.
It is certainly true that in our modern times values that reflect a deep respect for nature deserve our careful consideration. They should be cherished no matter how romantic they may be. So as we wait for the coming of the New Year perhaps it may be important for each of us to acknowledge the greater humanity that exists within all of us. For this reason alone we are indebted to Mongolia's reindeer people no matter how few they may be in number.
Sources:
On Reindeer and Men, Tim Ingold, Man, New Series, Vol. 4 (Dec, 1974 ) pp 523-538
Reindeer Economies and the Origins of Pastoralism, Tim Ingold, Anthropology Today, Vol 2, No. 4 (1986) pp 5-10.
National Geographic News, James Owen, November 4, 2004.
Gerald Marchewka is an American freelance writer currently residing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He may be reached at geraldmarchewka@yahoo.com
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