Photograph: Milking a deer.

Evenki: Evenks

Krasnoyarsk Krai

1907-1908 гг.

11,3 x 16,8

РЭМ 5659-54

The photo shows a woman milking a she-reindeer in a camp in the taiga. Traditionally, she is to the right of the animal. Nearby, a herd of deer is grazing among the pines. Continuous care of deer and their milking was women’s responsibility. Creemy reindeer milk was a major food item for the Evenki. It was added to tea, to broth, mixed with berries and wild herbs – wood garlic and ramps, used to churn butter and to make cream and yoghurt. Abstract by M.V. Fedorova