Ethnic groups of Russia: Oroks

This Tungus-Manchu people is one of the smallest in Russia. It numbers fewer than 300 people, most of whom live on Sakhalin Island. The Oroks have more than 20 names for their ethnic group, but they prefer to call themselves ‘Ulta’.

The Oroks are divided into the Northern Oroks (‘Doronen’) and Southern Oroks (‘Sunnen’). Reindeer herding has always been the main occupation of the former. The very name of the people derives from the word ‘oron’, which refers to a domesticated reindeer. The Southern Oroks, meanwhile, engaged in fishing and hunting.

Before adopting Orthodox Christianity in the late 19th century, the Oroks adhered to traditional beliefs. They revered and appeased the spirits by sacrificing plant-based foods, pigs, roosters and dogs. Among the most revered spirits were ‘Doonto’, lord of the bears and guardian of the forest, and ‘Teomu’ the killer whale, ruler of the sea.

The Orok eat fish raw, dried, frozen, boiled, smoked and salted. They also use it to make soups and pâtés. Their diet also includes reindeer and seal meat. In ancient times, before going out to hunt, the Orok would eat boiled dog meat. They believed that this would give them the animal's sense of smell and endurance.