Semantics of fur in costume of the Mordvins

Abstract

The subject of this research is the traditional fur costume of the Mordvins. The authors examine the problem of formation of the semantics of fur as a material useful for survival and adaptation of a person in space. The goal of this work consists in determination of the factors substantiating semantic meanings of the transformation processes of natural material into a cultural object characteristic for many peoples of the Middle Volga  and Transural regions. The authors summarized the written sources. Including the archive of Russian Geographical Society, analysis of ethnographic collections of museums of the Republic of Mordovia, and results of the field research. The application of general scientific methods (analysis, synthesis, classification), comparative-historical approach, and comprehensive culturological approach allowed detecting the peculiarities of Mordvins’ perception of fur items, their implementation into the sphere of spiritual culture, and attribution as a symbol. The scientific novelty consists in the culturological approach towards understanding of the semantic of fur garments and accessories in the everyday culture and family ceremonies of the Mordvins. Substantiation is made on the special significance of fur in the material culture of the Erzya and Moksha peoples: fulfilling a utilitarian function and having become the second, artificial skin of a human, fur adequately protected from unfavorable effects of the environment. It is established that in Erzya language there are still remain similarities between the concepts of fur coat (fur item, animal skin) and clothes.