The development of Yakut wrestling during the Soviet era in the spotlight of media coverage

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Ya.I. Yakovlev1
Dr. Hab., Associate Professor N.P. Olesov1
PhD, Associate Professor V.G. Torgovkin1
V.V. Efremov1
1M.K. Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Yakutsk

Objective of the study is to analyse visual sources (photographs) in order to reconstruct the history of Yakut wrestling (tustuu) during the Soviet period (first half of the 20th century).
Methods and structure of the study. The scientific work is based on the principles of historical analysis of sources. An analysis of photographs by various authors was conducted, reflecting moments of fights and competitions in Yakut wrestling. The sources were compared with written evidence, wrestling rules and ethnographic descriptions.
Results and conclusions. Analysis of visual sources showed that in the first half of the 20th century, Yakut wrestling ‘Tustuu’ was conducted in everyday clothing, often as part of the Ysyakh festival. Various types of holds were common, including holds by the belt, strap, parts of clothing and limbs. Wrestling could take place with a grip on the belt (kurdahan) or with a grip on other parts of the body (khapsaydahan). The materials are of particular value, demonstrating the preserved archaic elements of Yakut wrestling. Conclusions. Pictorial sources allow us to reconstruct the features of the techniques and rules of Yakut wrestling in the Soviet period. The name ‘Tustuu’ was used without additional clarifications indicating a specific type of wrestling. Various holds were allowed, and the winner was determined directly by the participants in the fight. This study contributes to the understanding of the history of the national wrestling of the Yakut people.

Keywords: tustuu (wrestling), visual materials, development, Soviet period.

References

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  2. Surovetskay E.K. Sbornik rukovodyashchih materialov po fizkulturnoy rabote na sele [Collection of Guidelines for Physical Culture Work in the Village]. Yakutsk: State Publishing House of the SASSR, 1945. Pp. 56-68.
  3. Fond № 50. Opis № 1. Delo № 3980. Natsionalnyy arhiv RS (Ya) [Fund No. 50. Inventory No. 1. Case No. 3980. National Archives of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)]. Pp. 2-2b, 3-3b.
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