AUTOCHTHONOUS RELIGIOSITYAND PRIESTS OF THE MARI IN 1920s — 1930s(based on materials of the Mari regional society of local lore)

At present, among the Finno-Ugric ethnic groups of the Middle Volga region, in particular the Mari people, active processes of revival and transmission of autochthonous beliefs continue. The key role in this is played by religious functionaries, whose priestly institution has been developing for several centuries. In an effort to identify and document new sources on this subject and to facilitate further comparative-historical research, the author analyzes materials from the State Archive of the Republic of Mari El (GARME) to trace the development trends of the priesthood within the Mari traditional religion and to reconstruct the broader context of religious practices among the Mari population living in the Mari Autonomous Region during the 1920s—1930s, according to the administrative division in force at the time. The findings of the study complement previously accumulated ethnographic data, shed light on specific features of the development of the Mari traditional religion, and provide insight into several of its spiritual leaders during the first third of the 20th century. The examined materials allow the author to conclude that autochthonous beliefs and ritual practices persisted among the Mari during the studied period, despite prohibitions, anti-religious campaigns, and educational efforts in the Mari region. At the same time, the development of the priesthood also exhibited certain negative trends, which are likewise addressed in the article.