Ivan Ivanovich Shirokogorov

Ivan Ivanovich Shirokogorov 1926

Ivan Ivanovich Shirokogorov (1887–1939) was a prominent Russian and later, emigrant, anthropologist and ethnographer who made significant contributions to the study of Siberian indigenous peoples and the theory of ethnogenesis. His work is considered foundational in the fields of social anthropology and ethnography, particularly regarding his research on the Tungusic peoples of Siberia.

Biography

Ivan Ivanovich Shirokogorov was born in 1887 in Russia. He pursued his education in anthropology and ethnography at the University of Saint Petersburg, where he was influenced by the works of prominent Russian anthropologists of the time. After completing his studies, Shirokogorov dedicated his career to field research among various indigenous groups in Siberia, focusing on their social structures, cultural practices, and languages.

In the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, Shirokogorov emigrated to China, where he continued his academic work and became a professor at several universities, including Peking University. Throughout his career, Shirokogorov published extensively, contributing valuable insights into the cultures of Siberian peoples and the processes of ethnogenesis—the formation and development of ethnic groups.

Key Contributions

Shirokogorov's most notable contributions lie in his detailed studies of the Tungusic peoples, among whom he lived for extended periods. His works on the social organization, shamanism, and folklore of these groups are still referenced by anthropologists and ethnographers today.

One of his seminal works, "Social Organization of the Northern Tungus," published in the 1920s, is a comprehensive study of the kinship, social structures, and cultural practices of the Tungusic communities. In this work, Shirokogorov introduced the concept of "ethnos" as a dynamic system, emphasizing the fluid and changing nature of ethnic identities.

Legacy

Ivan Ivanovich Shirokogorov's legacy in anthropology and ethnography is marked by his in-depth analyses and theoretical contributions to the understanding of ethnogenesis and the study of indigenous Siberian cultures. His work laid the groundwork for future research in these fields and remains a valuable resource for scholars studying the complex interplay of culture, identity, and social organization.

Despite the challenges of working during a period of significant political upheaval and being an emigrant, Shirokogorov's dedication to his research and his ability to provide detailed ethnographic accounts have ensured his place as a key figure in the history of anthropology.

Selected Works

• Social Organization of the Northern Tungus
• Psychomental Complex of the Tungus
• Several articles and papers on the ethnography and anthropology of Siberian peoples

See Also

• Ethnography
• Anthropology
• Tungusic peoples
• Ethnogenesis