Ethnic groups of Russia: Dolgans

There are just over 8,000 Dolgans, most of whom live on the Taimyr Peninsula in Krasnoyarsk Krai. This Turkic ethnic group is one of the youngest in Russia. It formed in the early 20th century, as a result of the interbreeding of Yakuts, Evenks and Russians.

Among the peoples of the North, the Dolgans stand out for their particularly vibrant and beautiful clothing. They were once even known as the "aristocrats of the tundra". The main feature of their traditional attire is its intricate and varied ornamentation. "Clothing without ornamentation has no soul," the Dolgans often like to say.

According to traditional Dolgan beliefs, there are three worlds: the upper heavenly world, the middle earthly world and the lower underworld. Only a shaman can travel through each of these worlds. He serves as a mediator between humans and benevolent spirits and as a protector against malevolent spirits. Today, however, most Dolgans are Orthodox Christians.

Venison (reindeer meat) is a staple of the traditional Dolgan diet. It is eaten raw, boiled, dried, smoked and even frozen, while its blood is used to make soup and sausage. Another very popular dish is ‘kyspyt’ (‘stroganina’), frozen fish that’s shaved into waferthin strips.