IDNO

D.78602.LIN

Description

Pen and ink drawings of a kumalan (saddle rug) on the left, and lärbegä (hat) on the right.

The kumalan is now in the care of MAA, reference 1935.816, and described as: "Kumalan. Saddle rug made from elk skin trimmed with bear and horse or fox. Sub-rectangular shape with waisted centre; head of two elks visible along the short edges, with the eyes filled with patches; trimmed around the entire border with dark brown bear hair overlaid with white horse or fox hair; stitched with sinew.
Note by Lindgren on catalogue card for 1935.816: 'The Reindeer Tungus always make these fur rugs, which are used under or over the saddle and pack, of two elks head skins which always match in colour. These rugs are also used inside the tent to sit on. As it is taboo for women to sit on bearskin, a few are made with some other fur as a border. There are usually not enough Kumalan for every packed deer, and odd fragments of skins are used for the rest. The darker Kumalan are valued most, and these two specimens are unusually good from the point of view of size of rug and fringe, and of colour. Bits of white fur always form the fringe. White horse-skin (imported) is preferred, but if none is available the white fur from squirrels' stomach (or white fox?) is used.'
Exhibited: Previously displayed in case 18, CUMAA anthropology galleries, until 1986.

The lärbegä is now in the care of MAA, reference 1935.779, and described as: "Men’s cloth hat decorated with fur and ribbon. Exterior made from horizontal bands of red, blue and brown flecked fabric sewn together with zigzag stitching. Overturned flaps at front and reverse decorated with fur, probably from the head of a squirrel. Ear flaps either side decorated with panels of fur, the flaps held up by a thin band of cotton or linen fabric resting on side of hat. Short section of pink silk ribbon attached to crown. Interior lined with red fabric.
Inner Mongolia; Upper Bystraya River
Note by Lindgren on catalogue card: 'This type of cap appears to be essentially Tungus (while the other type, made entirely of fur - unusually lynx - is cut exactly like the fur caps worn by Russians in Siberia, it may, of course, originate with Tungus or other Siberian tribes. It is called awun). The lärbegä is worn especially in spring and autumn, awun capes being worn in the coldest weather, and cloth caps of Russian manufacture in the summer.
'I had found that one of the most profitable articles to offer the Tungus in exchange for their things (they were not very interested in money) was bright silk ribbon. This "luxury" article they put in the ears of favourite reindeer, or, as in this case, on top of a man's hat.'
Exhibited: Removed from display case 17, CUMAA anthropology galleries, 7 July 1986."

Place

E Asia; China; Inner Mongolia; Upper Bystraya River [North west Manchuria]

Cultural Affliation

Evenki [Reindeer Tungus]

Named Person

Photographer

King, Edith [Artist]

Collector / Expedition

Lindgren, Ethel John

Date

Collection Name

Lindgren Collection

Source

Format

Drawing

Primary Documentation

Other Information

D.78588.LIN to D78622.LIN were found wrapped in paper now numbered C366/1/ which came from folder now numbered C366/.