Russia is |
Peoples of Russia
Shapsugians
The Shapsugians are a subethnos of the Adyghe; in the past they were one of the largest Adyghe tribes. Their self-designation is Adyghe, Shapsug. They were first listed in the 2002 census, previously they were classed together with the Adyghe. In 2000, by a decree of the Government of the Russian Federation they were given the status of native small-numbered people.
Language
They speak the Shapsugian dialect of the Adyghe language of the Abkhaz-Adyghe branch of the Northern Caucasian family.
Dispersion
In Russia, the Shapsugians live mostly in the Krasnodar territory – in the Tuapse district (the Aguy-Shapsug, Big Pseushkho and Little Pseushkho auls) and in the Lazarevsky district of the city of Sochi.
Ethnic groups
The Khakuchi are a group that constitutes a part of the Shapsugians; they speak a special Khakuchi subdialect of the Shapsugian dialect.
Society
Traditionally the Shapsugian society was divided into a sort of estates: uorks (nobility), torkotls (middle class, free farmers), pshitls (peasants) and unauts (slaves).
Traditional occupations
Their main crop was millet, also, in smaller amounts, wheat, spelt, rye, barley and oats; since the end of the 18th century, corn became widespread. They kept large and small cattle and raised horses. A significant role was played by horticulture and grape growing. Beekeeping was also practiced. In the material culture, the traditional elements were preserved mostly in what related to food (mamalyga from corn flour, widespread use of dairy products, especially cheeses).
Traditional clothes
Together with European-style clothes, men wear papakha hats and women wear headscarves.
