THE IMPORTANCE OF MOOSE TO THE PEOPLE IN THE NORTHERN SUB-URALS DURING THE BRONZE AND EARLY IRON AGES

Abstract

Moose (Eurasian Elk) are often found at ancient archaeological sites in the Northern Sub-Urals. Moose were an important component of the hunters’ lifestyle as a source of food. Their skins were used for clothing and footwear and to make various household items. Skins were also used to make tents. Moose influenced the life and well being of these ancient hunters and were prolific in their myths and legends. Hunters believed the sun was a gigantic moose “running” over the entire horizon during the day. This investigation is devoted to the interpretation of some moose images and objects, dating to the Bronze and early Iron Age, collected from archaeological sites in the Northern Sub-Urals. The analysis of these images and objects indicated that in ancient times the peoples of this region originally personified the universe as a gigantic moose “mother”. Later, a Tree-of-the-World concept was added to this image. This concept was the foundation for the organization and structure of people’s lifestyles in the Northern Sub-Urals.