Reproduction of the Yakut Cattle Breed: Cultural Aspects of the Problem

The purpose of the article is to reveal some cultural aspects of the process, which is currently taking place in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) – reproduction of the indigenous breed of Yakut cattle. Phenomenon of Yakut cattle, “Sakha Ynaga”, is considered as a nuclear element in local indigenous Sakha culture and thus, obtaining significant role in the culture of northern cattle breeders. During long-term socio-cultural changes in the Sakha people ethnos, this breed of cattle has been objectively excluded from its original environment and habitat, which almost led to its total extinguishing. Nowadays the situation changed: the unique domesticated cattle breed is undergoing some conservation work. Yes, the problem of its revitalization is still very acute. In addition to general scientific methods of analysis, the research work uses the following methods: cultural studies; the use of special scientific apparatus and terminology; cultural and interdisciplinary research; systematic approaches in studying history and origin of the subject under study; cultural theories of cultural and ethnogenesis; structural and functional approach; methods of extrapolation, analogy, generalization. The results of the study can be useful for undertaking a comprehensive integrated approach to solving the mentioned socio-cultural problem. Aside material issues, the study touches upon aspects of ethno cultural genealogical self-identification and self-development of the Sakha small-numbered ethnical community people. The study raises the issues of linguistic, cultural, spiritual, religious conditions of well-being of the ethnos in the modern globalized world, which challenges further self-existence. Perspectives of this research are seen in attracting attention of wider audience and scientific resources of the republic and country to the studied problem. In-depth study of the problem highlights the issues of conservation and development of the alas (taiga permafrost meadows) culture, being the core subsistence element. Ethno-cultural, ethno-genetical self-identification and self-development of ethnos representatives as local, but unique and the whole existence within global human community also directly depend on the local “breeding” culture.