TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF OBSTETRICS IN THE CULTURE OF THE OB-UGRIC PEOPLES

Abstract

Maintenance of a complex of national traditions connected with child-bearing among the Ob-Ugric peoples was preserved until 1930s, some instances – until mid-1950s. Thanks to recorded descriptions of maternity rituals, we can see not only ethnic specifics of obstetrics of the Northern groups of Khanty and Mansi, but also to consider them as components of traditional medicine. Traditionally, child-bearing among Ob-Ugric peoples was performed in the framework of established rituals and the ceremonial system which was based on traditional views about the world, about the man, about the soul and spirits, about the essence of female nature. It represented the indissoluble unity of magical-mystical beliefs and rational knowledge about human nature. The whole system of maternity practices in the North of the territory where Ob-Ugric people lived was associated with the cult of the mother goddess Kaltas’. She was believed to send human souls in the middle world, and give life; there were also common ideas about a spiritual helpmate who assisted at birth, Little Kaltas’ (kaz., middleobsk. hunt), S’an’ (manci); as well as a special protective and cleansing role of the goddess of Fire. Among the East Khanty, functions of all these goddesses are performed by one – Pugos. Carrying out the ceremonies connected with honoring of these goddesses played an important role in creation of a necessary positive background for pregnant women and women in labor, their psychological wellbeing and protection.

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