Ohuokhai : Sakhas' Unique Integration of Social Meaning and Movement

• Published in: Journal of American Folklore
• Main Author: Crate, Susan Alexandra
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Project MUSE 2006
• Subjects: Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous); Cultural Studies; Sakha; Sakha Republic; Subarctic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/jaf.2006.0019

This article explores the forms and functions of Sakhas' ohuokhai circle dance. Historically, Sakha are Turkic-speaking agropastoralists inhabiting the subarctic Sakha Republic of Russia. Originating as the opening communal prayer during Sakhas' yhyakh festival, ohuokhai has both maintained an original sacred function and, over time, assumed others. This article defines ohuokhai origins and its evolving functions through the pre-Soviet, Soviet, and post-Soviet times and reveals that, despite continuing post-Soviet threats, ohuokhai continues because of the commitment and initiative of Viliui Sakha inhabitants.