Nomadic livestock breeding in Kalmyk folklore

The article deals with the elements of livestock breeding culture present in Kalmyk folklore. Livestock breeding has traditionally been a key source of livelihood for nomadic populations. The former largely included the four species, such as cattle, sheep, horses, and camels. Livestock breeding experiences and related rites and customs have been preserved in the folklore tradition, and constitute an essential stratum of nomadic culture. The article seeks to analyze some understudied aspects of nomadic practices, economic patterns, the four livestock species and their characteristics traced in Kalmyk fairy tales, Jangar epic, ceremonial and aphoristic poetry. The work shows that the concept of ‘nomadism’ (Kalm. нүүл, Rus. кочевье) is multicomponent enough, which is due to constant migrations of nomads. Another aspect of the concept implies slow movement of horsemen and others nested in wheel yurts or carts next to flocks and herds, with occasional stops; nomadic migration is compared to vanishing of silhouettes, cessation of any movement within eyesight, ‘empty’ space being a sign of desolation. In Turko-Mongolian folklore, livestock serves as a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Over centuries, the Kalmyks have accumulated most extensive livestock breeding experiences. Their nomadic worldview, centuries-old practices, observations, thoughts and wisdom preserved in folklore attest to the fact that this used to be their main occupation.