The Khanty men and women wear fur clothing most of the year. In the harsh northern climate and difficult living conditions, the clothing should be very warm and practical.
Men’s fur clothing is called a ‘malitsa’. It is sewn of two thin tanned deerskins facing inside. A hood is sewn to the collar, and mittens with a slit are sewn to the sleeves, which makes them easy to put off and on. A malitsa is sewn below the knees and belted, which allows to carry the necessary items in the bosom. Its loose fit make it possible to turn the malitsa into a sleeping bag if necessary.
If a man goes on a long trip, he puts on a ‘gus’ on top of the malitsa — another type of outerwear. A gus, which looks like a long fur coat with a hood, is sewn with fur facing outside. It is a good protection against cold weather.
One of the main men’s accessories is a leather belt called “tasma”. It is decorated with bone or iron plates with carved images of birds and animals. A lot of different objects are attached to the belt, so it becomes quite heavy. For example, a knife with a sheath, an awl, a kind of “notebook” — a bar in a case with a wooden stick — are hung on the belt. Bear fangs are also attached to the belt — this talisman protects the owner and promises good luck in hunting or other pursuit.
According to the beliefs of the northern peoples, a hunter who spends the night in a forest can sleep peacefully if he puts a belt with a bear fang under his head. Demons will not dare to penetrate into a chum tent which has such a talisman and spirits that cause pain in the lower back will not encroach on the back of a belted person.
The first belt that is on display at the exhibition is made of black leather. The buckle and six decorative plates made of elk horns are sewn to it with strips of buckskin — tanned deer skin. They are decorated with images of birds, animals and geometric Khanty patterns. Five leather loops are sewn to the belt, to which two bear fangs, a case for a sharpener and a wooden sheath covered with fur are attached with bone rings.
According to the experts of the museum, the other belt was worn around a men’s neck. Presumably, it was made of horse leather in the late 19th — mid-20th century. The hunter’s belongings are attached to the belt — a powder flask, a gunpowder measuring cup, a bag in which shotgun pellet was kept, a tobacco box lid.
Men’s fur clothing is called a ‘malitsa’. It is sewn of two thin tanned deerskins facing inside. A hood is sewn to the collar, and mittens with a slit are sewn to the sleeves, which makes them easy to put off and on. A malitsa is sewn below the knees and belted, which allows to carry the necessary items in the bosom. Its loose fit make it possible to turn the malitsa into a sleeping bag if necessary.
If a man goes on a long trip, he puts on a ‘gus’ on top of the malitsa — another type of outerwear. A gus, which looks like a long fur coat with a hood, is sewn with fur facing outside. It is a good protection against cold weather.
One of the main men’s accessories is a leather belt called “tasma”. It is decorated with bone or iron plates with carved images of birds and animals. A lot of different objects are attached to the belt, so it becomes quite heavy. For example, a knife with a sheath, an awl, a kind of “notebook” — a bar in a case with a wooden stick — are hung on the belt. Bear fangs are also attached to the belt — this talisman protects the owner and promises good luck in hunting or other pursuit.
According to the beliefs of the northern peoples, a hunter who spends the night in a forest can sleep peacefully if he puts a belt with a bear fang under his head. Demons will not dare to penetrate into a chum tent which has such a talisman and spirits that cause pain in the lower back will not encroach on the back of a belted person.
The first belt that is on display at the exhibition is made of black leather. The buckle and six decorative plates made of elk horns are sewn to it with strips of buckskin — tanned deer skin. They are decorated with images of birds, animals and geometric Khanty patterns. Five leather loops are sewn to the belt, to which two bear fangs, a case for a sharpener and a wooden sheath covered with fur are attached with bone rings.
According to the experts of the museum, the other belt was worn around a men’s neck. Presumably, it was made of horse leather in the late 19th — mid-20th century. The hunter’s belongings are attached to the belt — a powder flask, a gunpowder measuring cup, a bag in which shotgun pellet was kept, a tobacco box lid.
