Astrakhan Reserve Museum: Origins of the ‘Kalmyk’ Collection Analyzed

Abstract

Introduction. A Joint Catalogue of Museum Items would essentially contribute to further preservation and scholarly exploration of Kalmyk cultural heritage, which is of even greater importance since quite a share of the latter had been lost in ethnic repressions and Deportation of 1943–1957. Associates of Kalmyk Scientific Center (RAS) have compiled a catalogue of the ‘Kalmyk’ collection at Astrakhan Reserve Museum and conduct systematic scholarly analyses of its elements. Goals. The paper aims at revealing origins of the mentioned ‘Kalmyk’ collection (except for Buddhist ritual objects and pho-tographs to be examined in another work). Results. The analysis shows the Collection was founded by Astrakhan Governorate Statistical Committee to have delivered a total of four items to the would-be Museum. ‘Mass’ arrivals of showpieces were ignited by the 1890 Kazan Science and Industry Exhibition’s arrangements — from three sources, namely: ethnic Kalmyks proper, Kalmyk People’s Executive Department, and Astrakhan Governorate Statistical Com-mittee. Subsequent years witnessed regular donations of Kalmyk-related items primarily from members of Peter the Great Society for the Study of Astrakhan Lands who succeeded not only in collecting but also in describing the submit-ted objects. So, the catalogues of 1890 and 1928 serve as unique sources on household life of the Kalmyks.