Deer bells

Uilta (Oroks)

Island Sakhalin

late 19th - early 20th century

Wood, leather, horn

РЭМ 2078-50

Each deer in the herd had a bell, the sound of which could be heard from a great distance. All the bells sounded different from each other. Thanks to this, the shepherd could recognize the departure or approach of a specific deer without visual contact. Additionally, bells made it easier to find the animals, deterred predators, and newborn fawns adapted more quickly to the herd's movement. Traditionally, bells were made of wood, but later iron ones were used.