COLLECTION ILLUSTRATES LIFE OF REMOTE ASIATICS

A valuable collection of objects used by the Yakuts, a tribe of northern Siberia, has recently been acquired by the department of Archaeology and Ethnology for the Peabody Museum.

The Yakuts, who inhabit the region bordering on the Lina River, are a tribe whose origin is unknown. They have lived in this vicinity for many centuries, and their primitive civilization and customs differ entirely from most of the other tribes in that neighborhood.

Clothing Made of Horsehide

The collection shows the primitive customs of the people. The clothing is made entirely of horsehide or reindeer hide, with the fur left out. All the household utensils are made of wood or pottery. The wooden jugs, of which there are a large number, are finely carved and are very good pieces of workmanship. Even the dishes on which the food was served are made of wood.

Their skiis, of which there are several pairs, about four feet long and one foot wide, are covered with fur on the under side. The hairs point towards the back of the skiis and this enabled the Yakets to walk up hills without the use of skii poles, for the fur bushes up when there is a backward pressure on it, thus presenting a roughened surface, which sticks to the snow and will not slip.

Used Wooden Trigger Traps

There are also wooden traps which work on the same principle as the bow and arrow. The trap is set and held in place by a trigger, which is released by the animal.

Among the other articles in the collection are appears, knives, boats, mats, stools, bows, and domestic utensils of all kinds.

Horses Gave Food and Transport

The Yakuts were once great breeders of horses and were known largely for this achievement. Their horses far surpassed those of any neighboring tribe, both in quality and in numbers. The horse even took the place of the cow, and one of the main foods of the people, as well as their principle drink, was made from kumiss, or mare's milk.

The collection was obtained through a German museum, and is very valuable, due largely to the difficulties encountered in getting the articles together. As far as is known, there is no other like it in this country.