Russia is |
Peoples of Russia
Ulchis
The self-designation of the Ulchis is Nani or Ulcha – “local people” (a common name for a number of the peoples of the Near-Amur territory), the obsolete name is Manguns or Olchi. Since 1926, the official designation Ulchis is adopted. 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 Ulchi language, which belongs to the Tungus-Manchu branch of the Altai language family.
Dispersion
They live in the Khabarov territory, their area of compact settlement is in the Ulch district.
Society
The majority of the Ulchis lived in nuclear monogamous families. Polygamous families were rare. Families from one kinship group often lived far from one another. The neighboring families, no matter what their kinship affiliation, were united in a kind of neighborhood unions of 4-8 families.
Traditional occupations and food
Their traditional occupations are fishing and hunting. Especially significant was the autumn fishing for salmon (Siberian salmon). During the summer and autumn run of the fish, the Ulchis moved towards the fishing location and worked without rest. The caught fish was dried and cured, later it started to be salted. Fish was the main food product for people, dried spines were used to feed dogs. Hunting for marine animals in the Tatar Gulf was of a subsidiary nature. They also gathered laminaria there, which was one of their favorite dishes. It was boiled with dried fish and wild leeks. As for crafts, making and ornamenting birch bark articles was widespread.
Dwellings
The Ulchi house was wooden, one-chamber and fairly large (for two to four families). It was heated with two or three hearths. In the middle of the room, there was a platform on which the dogs were fed in winter. Near the walls, plank beds were made. Each family living in the house took up the plank beds near one of the walls. Under the ceiling, beams with hooks were secured, on which bunches of sun-dried Pacific salmon, various house utensils, etc., were hung. The house was roofed with grass.
Clothes
The male and female upper clothes in summer were fabric kapchuma robes, cut like kimono, with the left flap fastening on the right side. On male clothes, ornaments were rarely used. Winter lebeli robes were heat-insulated (quilted and padded). Fur coats were also worn in winter; they were cut like robes and covered with cotton or silk fabric on top. Winter headgear looked like a bonnet with its top made from white dog kamus skin and a fox fur edge around the face. During bitter colds, dyava fur earmuffs were worn under such hats. In summer, birch bark hats were used. Footwear was made from fish, deer or moose skin (rovduga), ringed seal or sea lion skins.
