Ethnic groups of Russia: Khanty

This Finno-Ugric ethnic group numbers around 30,000 individuals and lives mainly in Western Siberia. Their closest relatives are their neighbors, the Mansi, while the Hungarians are their distant relatives. The ethnonym ‘Khanty’ means ‘people’, though, prior to the early 1930s, Russians referred to them as ‘Ostyaks’.

The Khanty began converting to Orthodoxy as early as the 16th century, but elements of their traditional beliefs remain strong to this day. The cult of the bear holds a special place in their culture. The animal is considered to be a symbol of nature's strength and wisdom and also serves as a link to their ancestors. Rituals are performed and festivals held in its honor.

Since ancient times, the Khanty have engaged in reindeer herding, hunting and gathering, but they have achieved their greatest success in fishing. They possess knowledge of hundreds of fishing methods utilizing various ingenious devices.

It’s no surprise that fish forms the basis of the Khanty diet. They consume it raw, boiled, dried, smoked, fried, frozen and even pounded into flour. Their favorite dish is ‘varka’ – fish roe (eggs) boiled in fish fat.