Nomadic Tribe

They follow the patrilineal lineage that traces membership back to nine generations.

By the early nineteenth century, almost all the Sakha had converted to the Russian Orthodox Church. But the community has also maintained a number of shamanic practices.

Retreat from the real as you hear Olonkho. This unique take on music features epic poems sung a cappella. Another sight to see is the delicate clothing that combines the tribe’s traditions along with the influence of the northern climate.

Traditional Yakut gastronomy includes kumis, the traditional milk ferment drink.

The Yakut (Sakha) language belongs to the North Siberian of the Siberian Tartaric languages. Most of the population are fluent but also speak Russian.

Silver and gold jewelry were considered talismanic, but today are used for aesthetic reasons in traditional jewellery making.

Ivory and wood carving, graphic art and sculpture are now an important part of the Sakha culture, too.

Sakha celebrations often focus on celebrating nature, with prayers sung to honor the spirits. Traditional dancing, Huokhai, is still performed and symbolizes the circle of life. This dance consists of a large
circle of people holding hands, while singing songs dedicated to the force of nature. They move
rhythmically in the direction of the sun in order to capture its energy. It is believed that anyone who joins the circle is charged with positive energy for the coming year.