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Indigenous worldviews, mythologies and landscapes, and their significance
for cross-cultural dialogue in the arts
In addition to anthropological interpretations of indigenous worldviews
and mythologies, the focus in this programme will be on their contemporary
representation in the fine arts, music and choreography. The Foundation for
Siberian Cultures supports a range of creative exchanges between artists
from Russia and those from other countries. Examples of such fascinating and
vivid artistic dialogue was the exhibition “Shamans of Siberia” (http://www.
kulturstiftung-sibirien.de/vir_21_E.html) as well as tours by Youth dance
ensembles from Kamchatka in Europe (http://www.kulturstiftung-sibirien.de/
ver_42_E.html). Currently in preparation are a joint German-Russian project on
video art, as well as other projects on lyrics and musical compositions that reflect
Siberian landscapes and find expression in a variety of western and indigenous styles.
Historical sources and their contribution to modern discourse
Another project is the publication of comprehensive travel accounts by
German explorers and scientists since the mid-18 th century. Their exhaustive
descriptions and detailed reports are still considered some of the most
valuable documents on the ethnography of the indigenous peoples of that part
of the world. These works inform us about living conditions and particular
ways of natural resource use at various times and provide us with valuable
background information for current assessment.
This anthology, which will be published in series format as part of the
“Bibliotheca Kamtschatica” by the Foundation for Siberian Cultures (edited
by Erich Kasten and Michael Dürr), is enriched through essays by scholars
from various historical, ethnological and natural science perspectives.
In cooperation with the Institute of Geography (KBPIG, FED RAS) in
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski, a database will be produced that brings together
historical accounts, recent ethnographic recordings and relevant texts in native
languages, and information from the natural sciences. All will be accessible via
the Internet even by the general public, and as it is intended here in the first
place, be used by colleagues in Russia and indigenous communities. (http://
www.siberian-studies.org/publications/bika_E.html).
Projects on the Preservation and Teaching of Indigenous Languages in
Kamchatka
DVD learning tools for the preservation of the languages and cultures of the
Itelmens, Evens and Koryaks
Learning tools and teaching materials focusing on indigenous communities
may help to counteract forces that lead to the loss of cultural diversity and
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