Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Social Dynamics of Material Culture in the Arctic (2); Cultural Revival and Material Culture in Southeast Siberia  (Nivkh Material Culture and Revival, Southeast Siberia)

Outline
The National Museum of Ethnology, Leiden, Netherlands, houses an important historical collection from the Nivkh, one of ‘the Small Siberian Peoples’ (nowadays ‘nations’) from the Russian Far East. The present project focuses on the changes that have taken place in the material culture of the Nivkh of Southeast Siberia. Nineteenth century material culture proved already influences from the neighbouring cultures. During the Soviet period, dramatic changes in the live and (material) culture were prevalent, caused by transformations to communist culture and Russification policy from the Soviet Administration. The result was a native culture under pressure. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union during the perestroika, a new era in Russia and Siberia appeared. Political, social and economic structures existing for more than many generations were dissolved. Recently, new developments cause a growing native awareness, and new expressions in the material culture they produce. Nivkh material culture is gaining a new interest in the Nivkh community and is becoming important for the Nivkh identity. This people regain and reclaim their identity and a cultural revival is developing. 19th century objects from Southeast Siberia and modern material culture will be studied in museums in Europe and Russia, and during field research in Island Sakhalin and if possible Amur region. Emphasis is placed on the communist period and on recent developments in Nivkh (material) culture. Parts of the material culture which are the most involved in identity issues are being selected for further research.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
This project aims at gathering information on indigenous knowledge on Nivkh material culture and economy. Participation in this is sought with a native counterpart, such as Nivkh specialists in Sakhalin and at the Sakhalin Regional Museum in Yuzno Sakhalinsk.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
NULL

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
Local Nivkh communities on Island Sakhalin and the Nivkh community in the city of Yuzno Sakhalinsk.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: June – July 2008      April – May 2009      
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
No special facilities: the project will make use of the normal local and international infrastructure. If nessecary assistence via Shell Sakhalin.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

The project will make use of the normal local and international infrastructure. If nessecary assistence via Shell Sakhalin.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Cooperation with museums and a native counterpart will be organized internationally.Proposal for subsidy will be submitted to the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The National Museum of Ethnology has a budget for small exhibitions. It will also be send to the National IPY Committee.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

How will the project be organised and managed?
The National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden will provide the project leader and coordinator. Academic cooperation, has been established with Dr. Tatyana Roon, director from the Sakhalin Regional Museum and will be extended with experts at various universities and museums curating an important Nivkh collection such as St. Petersburg, Oslo, Braunsweig, Copenhagen, London, and Khabarovsk.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
We aim to organize a travelling exhibition for museums in Greenland and in museums in Europe. Education material, for the native Nivkh community, for schools and for museum visitors, will be part of this.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
The research data will be gathered both at the Sakhalin Regional Muse The research data will be gathered both at the Sakhalin Regional Museum and at the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden. They will be put on the internet. The results will be returned to Sakhalin by means of an exhibition, via internet and will be published.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
Proposal for subsidy will be submitted to the Dutch Organization for Scientific Research (NWO). The National Museum of Ethnology has a budget for small exhibitions. The proposal will also be send to the National IPY Committee.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Cunera Buijs
National Museum of Ethnology,
Postbox 212,
Leiden
NL-2300 AE
Netherlands

Tel: +31-(0)71-5168800
Mobile: no
Fax: no
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation