To the Comparative study of the Oirat and Kalmyk traditional culture: the origin and existence of the felt type boots “tohoku”

Abstract

The article considers the existence in the traditional culture of Oirats of Mongolia and Kalmyks of Russia a specific type of shoes - felted boots, now called “tohoku”. On the basis of new data it is concluded that this type of footwear had been spread among the Altai Uriankhai, the Torghuts, the Zakhchins and also Kalmyks. This type of footwear was perceived as one of the ethnic markers of the Oirats and Torghuts of Mongolia and China. The features of the piston type pattern of the leather part of the boots - tsarag - and customs of using such boots suggests an ancient origin of this type of footwear and its connection with the culture of hunters. The common name of these peoples, characterized by a specified type of shoes was actually the name of felt boots (or stockings) oims that appeared, probably with the spread of pastoralism.

Keywords

• oirats
• kalmyks
• traditional culture
• footwear
• tohoku