14th–18th Century Sakha Jewelry: History of Research Reviewed

Abstract

Introduction. The article reviews works by Russian scholars to examine key stages of research on 14th–18th century Yakut jewelry. Goals. The study aims at outlining respective periods of research and identifying main trends therein with due regard of each explorer’s contribution — from local officials and their reports to contemporary scientists and their academic works. Earliest messages on Sakha jewelry were fragmented enough the latter to be perceived only as elements to traditional garments. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes original written materials dealing with Yakut jewelry (reports by officials, yasak lists, diaries and observations) towards present-day theoretical articles rethinking the accumulated data. Results and conclusions. The related historiography comprises a total of three stages: 1) pre-Revolution period, 2) early-to-mid 20th century, 3) mid-20th century to present day. Our insights into original sources and scientific texts shows those contain diverse and essential factual materials on Yakut jewelry.

Keywords

• jewelry
• historiography
• history of jewelry studies
• kulun-atakh culture
• yakutia
• the yakut
• middle ages