Axiology of human formation in traditional culture

Introduction. Investigating the phenomenon of childhood and practices of socialization in the context of different cultures and historical eras is associated with the problem of understanding the values which underlie sociocultural reproduction of new generations. The purpose of the article is to identify the paradigmatic system of values, guiding the human formation in the traditional culture of the Tungus-Manchus of Siberia and the Far East of Russia. Materials and Methods. The research is based on an axiological approach representing value as an integral of culture and a model generating its artifacts. The use of the structural-semiotic method implies that the value dimension of culture is expressed in a symbolic form as a system of invariant meanings connecting different spheres of activity and socializing practices. The reconstruction of Tungus-Manchu childhood culture is conducted on the basis of ethnographic data and folklore materials. Results. The specificity of socialization and enculturation of new generations in the conditions of appropriating economy, tribal structure of society and traditional culture is indicated. The axiological center of Tungus-Manchu culture is highlighted and its representation at different stages of growing up and upbringing (infancy, childhood and adolescence) is examined. The system of mythological ideas and magical actions which play a role in the enculturation of new generations has been revealed. The analysis of the formation of gender identity is carried out; the main socialization mechanisms including play, storytelling, work and ritual are revealed. Conclusions. Childhood in Tungus-Manchu culture was not endowed with independent value and subjectivity, but was perceived as a potential embodiment of clan identity (value-subject). In the process of mastering field technologies and ritual prescriptions, people learned to interact with an animal - a symbol of natural forces (value-object). The value of movement (value-action), due to the type of economy, favored men in the sexual asymmetry of initiation rites.