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Overview
This study provides a concrete example of how foraging societies enculturate and transform the natural environment and, through the use of material objects, create sacred spaces and sites. Using ethnographic and ethnohistorical information about the Khanty of Siberia, Jordan shows the shortcomings of both interpretive and materialist anthropological theorizing about hunters and gatherers. He focuses on the rich and complex relationship between the symbolism of the Khanty, their material culture, and the bringing of meaning to physical places. His examination looks at the topic in both historical and contemporary contexts, and in scales from the core-periphery model of Russian colonialism to the portrait of a single yurt community. Jordan's work will be of importance to those studying cultural anthropology, archaeology, and comparative religion.
Editorials
Anthropos
The book is a superb achivement, and should become essential reading for students of mind and culture alike.Canadian Journal Of Archaeology
This is a sorely needed addition to a few English ethnographies on Siberia. It provides fascinating new information and insights.CHOICE
The first detailed and authoritative study of Khanty material culture to appear in English... photos of Khanty people, objects, and locations enhance the clearly written and well-organized text, helping to make this book a useful resource for both the ethnologically curious and the professional anthropologist or historian.— E. J. Vajda
Choice
The first detailed and authoritative study of Khanty material culture to appear in English... photos of Khanty people, objects, and locations enhance the clearly written and well-organized text, helping to make this book a useful resource for both the ethnologically curious and the professional anthropologist or historian.— E. J. Vajda, Western Washington University