Nanai people

Dharma Wheel (2)

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Hezhe (Nanai) family

Huang Qing Zhigong Tu, 1769, Hezhe (Nanai) people (赫哲)

Huang Qing Zhigong Tu, 1769, Qilang people (奇楞)

Nanai people are an indigenous ethnic group native to the Russian Far East and Northeast China. They are one of the Tungusic peoples and are closely related to the Hezhen people of China. Historically, the Nanai were known for their fishing, hunting, and gathering lifestyle, deeply intertwined with the natural environment of the Amur River basin where they reside.

History

The history of the Nanai people is marked by their close relationship with the Amur River, which has been the lifeblood of their culture and sustenance. The Nanai developed unique skills in fishing, particularly with their use of traditional fishing weirs and nets. Over centuries, they have also engaged in hunting and fur trapping, which were significant for trade with neighboring peoples and Russian settlers since the 17th century.

During the Qing Dynasty in China and the expansion of the Russian Empire in the Far East, the Nanai found themselves at the crossroads of major imperial interests. Despite these pressures, they managed to preserve their unique cultural practices, language, and social structures.

Culture

The culture of the Nanai people is rich in traditions, folklore, and spiritual beliefs. Shamanism played a central role in their spiritual life, with shamans acting as intermediaries between the human world and the spirit world. The Nanai's cosmology and mythology are deeply connected to the natural world, especially the Amur River and its inhabitants.

Traditional Nanai society was organized into clans, known as exogamous patrilineal clans, meaning individuals were expected to marry outside their clan, and lineage was traced through the father's line. These clans played a crucial role in social organization, spiritual life, and the distribution of resources.

Language

The Nanai language belongs to the Tungusic language family, which includes several languages spoken by ethnic groups in the Russian Far East and Northeast China. The language has several dialects but has been facing challenges of language endangerment. Efforts are being made to revitalize the language through educational programs and cultural initiatives.

Contemporary Issues

Today, the Nanai people face various challenges, including cultural assimilation, economic marginalization, and environmental degradation. The construction of dams and industrial pollution in the Amur River basin pose significant threats to their traditional way of life, which is closely tied to the river's natural cycles.

Efforts to preserve Nanai culture and language are ongoing, with cultural festivals, educational programs, and the promotion of traditional crafts and practices. The Nanai people continue to strive for recognition of their rights and the protection of their ancestral lands and waters.

See Also

• Indigenous peoples of Siberia
• Tungusic peoples
• Amur River