Cultural Transformation of the Aboriginal Population of the North and the Far Eastern Policy of the Russian Autocracy in XIX – Early XX Centuries

This article deals with the history of cultural transformation of the small-numbered peoples of the Far Eastern region in pre-revolutionary period based on the set of published and unpublished materials. The increased focus is put on the problems of advancement of Christianity among the indigenous population of the national areas of the Far East where orthodox missionaries played a key role. The origins and initial processes of interaction between indigenous and alien population in the Far East during the period of accession of the region to the Russian Empire are investigated. A brief description of social and cultural life foundations of aborigines before the arrival of the Russians is given. The influence of Russian policy has extended to all spheres of life of the aboriginal population – household activities, religious views and national crafts. Social and economic contacts with the Russians have predetermined the life of the indigenous population of the Far East in all aspects. The religion turned out to be the most affected by the Russian government. The work includes the comparative study of the influence of Christian missionaries on different small-numbered peoples: the Chukchi, the Chuvans, the Evens, the Orochis, the Yukagirs etc. In general, Christianity was not predominant among the aborigines. On frequent occasions Christianity was adopted in view of benefits from interaction with the Russians. Christianization of traditional ethnic groups was superficial. Heathen beliefs had retained their influence. Multiform contacts with outnumbering alien population resulted in penetration of Russian culture into all spheres of life of the small-numbered ethnic groups - from economic to cultural and general. Economic, social and cultural development of the indigenous population resulted in unusual combination of traditional and innovative forms of living