The Circassian Tribes of the Caucasus

1. The Circassian Tribes of the Caucasus Neil Davis Class 5

2. Technology + Symbols • Technology: • Cherkesska clothing – carry gun powder/cartridges • Metallic goods – uses as weapons, Kinjal • Herbal medacine – used by the initiated • Symbols: • Facial hair – represents maturity for boys • Water bucket – represents one’s sexual prowess • Adigha Khubaza – the law of Circassians

3. Language • Nart Sagas – oral tradition of mythology • Ubykh – an extinct language never written • Hunter language – preserves ancient religious ideas • And archaic word stock of Circassians

4. Values and Norms • Values: • Adigha Khubaza – respected by all Circassians • Culture – respect towards their ancient culture • Family – close relationships to one another • Norms: • Obediance – total obediance to parents/chieftains • Respect everybody – elderly/children respect another • Company – hosts for guests with extravagence

5. Passage of Man/Womanhood • Nothing unusual for this passage • The children only turn 17 • Boys grow moustache to represent this • Also grow beard when growing older

6. Passage of Marriage • The couple must be in love • Groom stages mock kidnapping as proposal • Groom has to presents leather corset • Bride lives at the groom’s house

7. Passage of Death • The family arranges the funeral • Mourn 40 days wearing bowler hat • Family allows neighbors to see them • Neighbors pay respects wearing bowler hat

8. Culture Shock! • Definition – one culture finds another unusual • For Circassians: The Harmony! • Virtually no sexism in this tribe • However, rivalry between the tribes • U.S. has many issues regarding this • 200 years for women to vote

9. How Culture Affects The Circassians • High respect for their ancient culture • Also want adaption to modern society • To be seen as dominant culture • Issues with intergration – old and new