Harvesting Strategies and Methods for the Use Of Firewood Among the Northern Selkups

This article examines the harvesting strategies and methods of firewood utilization developed by the lowpopulation indigenous peoples of the Arctic – the Northern Selkups – as they adapted to local climatic conditions and the socio-economic and technological changes that time brought to their lives. The Selkups' traditional life support system did not involve the procurement of large quantities of firewood each season; firewood was stored for a short period of time. Selkups’ fishing camps were built where firewood was available. The Selkups of the Middle Taz who lived in the forest-tundra, unlike their relatives of the Upper Taz who lived in the taiga zone, often had a shortage of quality fuel and had to make greater efforts to procure firewood. The strategy of regularly replenishing the small supply of firewood obtained near the house is still used by the Selkups, who run a traditional economy, during the summer. However, the strategies for obtaining firewood in winter have changed among all northern Selkups: From the Russians, Selkups adopted the principle of amassing a large winter supply of firewood. In the procurement of firewood, the Selkups developed new relationships with the state, which supported them in the form of social organizations. There were major changes for all Selkups in the technical part of fuel procurement strategies: chainsaws, which are now used to prepare firewood, and snowmobiles, motorcycles, motorboats, trucks, caracats (ATVs) on which they are delivered, entered everyday life. Among the Selkups, firewood is not only used for heating and cooking. It is involved in a variety of economic activities, each of which uses its own technology and method of combustion.

Northern Selkups, fuel procurement strategies, firewood, heating, cooking, traditions, innovations