Orthodox collection of the national museum of the Republic of Buryatia as the source of orthodox history on the territory of Buryatia

The article deals with the Orthodox collection of the National Museum of the Republic of Buryatia which represents the unique composition (about 1 700 sources). All sources are indentified in different types and forms. The key position is represented by the written sources, such as early printed books, periodicals, business documents (parish registers, documents of church statistics and others). 125 icons with images of Jesus Christ, Mother of God and Saints are represented as the graphic sources. Among the material sources (crosses, church utensils, vestments of clergy and others) the special research interest arouse silver items. The pictures of Orthodox churches, in some cases, their interiors are considered to be a part of a small group of documentary photographs (about 60 units). The Orthodox collection of the museum is perceived as the evidence that reflects the historical past of the region.