Modern research in Tuva: new approaches to solving traditional problems of ethnic anthropology

Introduction. This paper discusses the results of the analysis of intra- and inter-population variability in spatial and temporal aspects among the indigenous population of the Republic of Tuva, who have preserved to a certain extent the traditional way of life. Materials and methods. The material for the article is the results of complex anthropological expeditions of the Anuchin Research Institute and the Museum of Anthropology to the Republic of Tuva, implemented in the period from 2016 to 2022 in cooperation with Tuva State University and the Medical Genetic Research Center. Results and discussion. According to the results of the conducted research, the existing ideas about the structure of intergroup variability of related Altai-Sayan peoples (Tuvans, Tuvans-Todzhins, Tsaatans, Altaians) have been expanded, the anthropological and genetic community of Tsaatans and the indigenous population of Tuva has been confirmed. Also, for the population of the republic over the past 40 years, the detected maladaptive changes caused by socio-cultural changes and violation of the traditional way of life have been described for the first time. Among other things, a significant (2.5-3 years) acceleration of ontogenesis in the younger generation was shown in both urban and rural conditions, an increase in total body size (secular trend), acceleration of puberty, changes in body composition, which confirms a violation of adaptation in the populations of the indigenous Tuvan population. Based on the latest data obtained, data on changes in the structure of intra-population variability and manifestations of the secular trend in most regions of the Republic have been confirmed and supplemented. Conclusion. The further task of anthropological research of an ethnogenetic orientation is to assess as many aspects as possible that fall under the influence of the described factors, both in Tuvan and in other groups. © 2024. This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 license