Photograph: Method of riding on deer’s back.

Evenki: Evenks

Evenki National District, Krasnoyarsk Krai

1907-1908 гг.

11,5 x 17

РЭМ 5659-42

The picture shows a man and a woman mounted on deer’s backs in a winter camp in taiga; close by are deer harnessed for migrating. Riding on a deer’s back required special skills. The saddle was placed on the deer’s shoulder blades, attaching it to the deer’s body with the only one saddle strap. It was not easy to sit on a constantly swaying saddle, without stirrups, keeping balance using only the body frame and legs. Therefore, riding on a deer’s back was taught from the early childhood. Abstract by M.V. Fedorova