Towards studying tamgas of Sayan-Altai people

Purpose: The article focuses on the study of legal ownership marks or tamgas in Khakassia, Altai and Tuva. Our aim is to clarify the degree of scrutiny of tamga signs which were common among the Turks of Sayan-Altai region. Tamgas deserve a special attention due to the fact that they represent an important historical-ethnographical source as the Sayan-Altai people have kept many elements of the ancient Turkic culture, including the tradition of using tamgas, until our days. Results: The article summarizes the data of previous research based on a sufficient number of studies devoted to the tamgas of Sayan-Altai. In particular, tamgas of Khakassia, Altai and Tuva deserve a special comprehensive study as a unique regional system, which has not been done yet. Their study began with the data of scientific expeditions in the late XIX century that had the purpose of researching and fixing Turkic inscriptions. The article reveals the general concept of a «tamga», which were often described as a «property sign», «sign-symbol», «legal sign». The article shows the importance of tamgas in studying ethnic history as this sign is considered a carrier of the people’s memory. In this regard it is essential to understand their true meaning. A tamga «goose», which is the most popular among the peoples of Sayano-Altai, for instance, was mainly a symbol of respect for the individual, the position of a man, pride for the people, etc. A tamga was also a special legal mark, a symbol of unity and protection of the members of each family in the times of tribal relations. The use of tamga marks facilitated finding livestock owners, especially in the case of theft, and according to them members of the family recognized their property. Therefore, a tamga became one of the most popular sources of information about the owners and their property. It was also considered a form of the personal signature in the absence of a written language. None of the members of the clan had any right to change or adopt tamgas at their will as their application was confirmed by authorities and any violations could be prosecuted. Further evolution of tamga-formed signs is usually associated with signs of confirming the possession of personal property, with distinctive emblems, and subsequently with ornamental art. The article addresses the issue of learning tamgas with the help of Orkhon and Yenisei runic texts. Conclusion: In spite of the available studies and descriptions of tamgas of Khakassia, Altai and Tuva, the authors have not investigated them as an array with specific relations. It is necessary to perform a comprehensive study of these signs, in particular the tamgas of Khakassia, Altai and Tuva. Such a special study of Sayan-Altai region will enable us to trace the relationship not only between tribal groups, but also their historical ties with the population of ancient Turkic states.