Pyotr Efimovich Sheshkin and Péter Domokos: thе epistolary dialogue

Abstract

Introduction: present paper investigates the correspondence of a Hungarian professor Péter Domokos (1936–2014) and the Mansi folklore collector Pyotr Efimovich Sheshkin (1930–1981). In the course of the research, one letter written by Domokos to Sheshkin, as well as three letters by Sheshkin with attachments (photographs, newspaper cutting, leaflet) were found. In the course of the work, we have read and transcribed the handwritten letters, and explored the background of the information mentioned in them. In our paper we publish these letters unchanged, we also provide certain statements with explanatory notes. The mutual interest of the correspondents is manifested in the short correspondence, in which folklore, historical information of the Mansi people, manuscripts and publications are discussed. Unfortunately, Sheshkin’s sudden death did not let them to maintain scientific or informal friendship. Objective: to describe the Mansi folklore collector P. E. Sheshkin’s professional relationships in Hungary, especially based on his correspondence with Péter Domokos. Research materials: personal letters of P. Domokos and P. E. Sheshkin, scientific publications of Russian and foreign authors, separate editions. Results and novelty of the research: in the letters cordial and respectful relationship, mutual interest, and desire for further cooperation are attested. Presenting previously unpublished materials may count as novelty.