Anaktovars

The Anaktovars are a subgroup of the indigenous peoples of Siberia, specifically dwelling in the Anadyr region of the Russian Far East. They are a part of the larger Eskimo-Alaska Native group, with distinct cultural and linguistic affinities to the Yupik people of eastern Siberia.

Traditionally, the Anaktovars were skilled hunters and fishers, relying on the region's abundant marine resources for sustenance. Their diet consisted of whale meat, seals, fish, and other sea creatures, as well as berries and other terrestrial plant life. They lived in small nomadic groups, typically in temporary settlements made from animal hides and bone frameworks.

The Anaktovars were known for their unique cultural practices, influenced by their geographic isolation. Their language, also known as Anaktoran, is a member of the Yupik language family and was previously thought to be an isolate. However, linguistic analysis has revealed closer ties to the Yupik languages of Alaska.

The Anaktovars have a rich traditional animation of sacred beings, including spirits and deities associated with nature and the hunt. Spiritual practices were an integral part of their daily life, with shamanic ceremonies often held to ensure good luck, protect against disease, and guarantee successful hunting expeditions.

The Anaktovars have undergone significant cultural and demographic transformation throughout the 20th century. Soviet policies led to forced relocation, settlement in permanent communities, and conversions to Russian orthodox practices. As a result, their ancient way of life has largely been lost. Today, efforts to preserve Anaktovan language and cultural traditions continue, albeit in a form that is heavily influenced by external pressures.