Women's crafts of the Ob Ugrians (based on the materials of the 2025 study)

The subject of the study is an ethno-sociological analysis of the current state of women's crafts among the Ob Ugric ethnic groups, expressed through the subjective opinions of artisans engaged in folk artistic crafts living in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Ugra. The aim of this work is to identify and analyze the factors influencing the state and prospects for the development of traditional art among the Khanty, Mansi, and forest Nenets. To achieve this goal, the following tasks were defined: to identify the sociocultural characteristics of artisans, to investigate the role of mentorship in preserving and developing folk artistic crafts, and to establish the existing problems hindering the sustainable functioning and development of crafts and trades. Special attention is given to the activities of social organizations and educational institutions as agents of cultural transmission, which serve as crucial channels for conveying traditional values. The obtained results are intended to contribute to the formulation of effective measures for state and regional policy aimed at preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the region. The study is based on the results of a sociological survey titled "Crafts and Trades of Ugra: Resource Analysis of Quality of Life." A total of 46 women were surveyed using a questionnaire that included both closed and open questions, supplemented by in-depth interviews to explore aspects of the continuity of traditions and the difficulties faced by artisans in folk artistic crafts. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that it is the first comprehensive ethno-sociological study of women's crafts, which employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods, allowing for a deeper understanding of the state and challenges of folk artistic crafts in Ugra. The mass survey of women regarding their subjective assessments of their creativity helped to identify current trends in the reproduction of products through the family and kinship system and social institutions, as well as to determine possible ways to overcome emerging obstacles. The main conclusions of the conducted research include the identification of key problems in this sector, which are interconnected and require a comprehensive solution at the level of regional cultural policy: a lack of quality materials, transportation accessibility, insufficient informational and methodological support, and the absence of a systematized scientific approach to the study of folk culture. The recommendations developed are based on the real opinions and experiences of the indigenous population, which allows this study to be considered a significant contribution to the practice of protecting the cultural heritage of the Ob Ugric peoples.

folk art crafts, women's crafts, indigenous peoples of the North, Ob Ugrians, Khanty, Muncy, Yugra, traditional culture, master of folk crafts, succession