Villages of Russian old-timers in Angara region: problems and results of etnic and environmental modelling

Purpose. The relevance of ethnic and ecological research of the Angara region is connected with the necessity of scientific evaluation of cultural and socio-cultural transformations, which results from modern large-scale changes in habitat in the region. The article is devoted to methodological aspects of the study of cultural specificity of Russian old-timers residing the Angara region. The material for investigation is conservation and building traditions of the 20th century as a component of the life support culture. The novelty of the study is related to the fact that it is for the first time when principles of ethnic and ecological modelling have been applied to Siberian materials. Results. A scheme for our ethno-ecological models has been developed. They include such components as old-timers’ settlements, manor complexes in general (their types and rules of erection), dwellings and outbuildings in particular (their types, kinds, constructions), technology of construction work including work phasing, materials (types and their usage), the ritual sphere of construction, interior trimming, heating and interior decoration. In order to determine how complex traditions transformed, we set out three interrelated objectives: to identify existing traditions and describe them, to determine the conditions of their existence and to study the factors influencing them. Among powerful factors of the 20 century, we consider the project of building a cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the Angara River, which was initiated to address socio-economic problems of the region. We found out that the building traditions of Russian old-timers in the Angara region have a significant number of common features in all the parameters of ethnic and ecological models. Some differences can be classified as variations of the same tradition. The powerful influence of anthropogenic factors, namely of a cascade of hydroelectric power plants on the river, resulted in significant changes in the environment and the people’s habitats. Current traditions in constructing dwellings by Russian old-timers in the Middle and Lower Angara regions are in a latent state now as new construction is practically frozen. However, in the mid 20th century their buildings had to be moved from the flood zone created by the power plants and from the Ilim and Bratsk reservoir. These buildings were reconstructed in their original forms with the aim of reproducing traditions and stability. Traditional methods of building survived in the settlements of Russian old-timers of the Lower Angara region until the 1980s. They were practiced mainly due to difficulties in the delivery of materials. Not only old people, but also middle-aged and young people are aware of the traditional rules and methods of construction. Conclusion. Based on identifying traditions of the region and giving them detailed description, determining the conditions of practicing these traditions and studying factors influencing them, we have developed specific models representing construction processes. Our collection of ethnographic material together with evaluation of the environment and a description of homesteads and settlements were the factors that allowed us to form an ethno-ecological approach. The models are shown to be effective in the study of building traditions of Russian old-timers in the Angara region. They made it possible to identify common and special features of the traditions, their value in modern times and reasons for transformations of the tradition.