Irina Rol'nik
Moscow Geographical Society
Moscow, Bolotnikovskaya naberezhnaya 38 - 1, ap. 84
RUSSIA
TEL: (095) 121-44-77
Irina Sutokskaya
Research Institute of Ecology & Hygiene of Environment
117393 Moscow, ul.Garibaldi, 16-12
RUSSIA
TEL: (095) 133-55-66
FAX: (095) 269-09-29
Our civilization uses mainly logical, analytically dividing approach to the world. It lacks an integral vision which is characteristic for oriental culture and was typical for our Slavic ancestors who appreciated being part of the nature. Lost by European culture, this integral approach still exists in the life of indigenous people of the Russian North. Northern people were able to retain an integral biosphere vision of the world and their place in it. This is especially evident in the drawings of children of Saami, Komi, Khanty, Mansi, Dolgan, Nganasan, Evenk, Chuckchi and Eskimo peoples. Main objects of these drawings are spatial-cosmic images of nature, images of animals, images of houses as some mini-spaces in one large house which is nature. In other words, children usually draw a global ecosystem of life which includes a sky, taiga, deers and wild animals, man and his immediate habitat. There is a definite linkage of these drawings with traditional arts. Bright and contrast colors are functional, providing vigor to survive in the harsh environment of the Far North.
Regretfully, since the 1930s the original culture of the indigenous peoples has been suppressed. To ensure survival of these peoples it is necessary to revive national self-consciousness and culture through a transformation of the education system.
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