Psychological factors in suicides among the indigenous people of the arctic zone of Western Siberia in the XVII – XIX centuries (based on materials from the regional archives)

Abstract

The authors of the article analyze the attempts of missionaries to overcome suicidality among the indigenous peoples of the North through the implementation of two different religious and economic models: "Orthodox" and "Muslim.” While Christian influence was spreading through the missionary work of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Arctic regions, Muslim influence, coming from Siberian Tatars, was hidden. Both groups of missionaries have faced certain cultural peculiarities of northern peoples where suicide was not a sin, moreover, in some situations – was even the preferred behavior. In both missionary models, it was assumed that conversion to the new faith would introduce a taboo on suicide among indigenous peoples. However, Christianization did not solve the problem, but partially caused an increase in suicidality. The authors analyze historical sources taking into account the opinions of the peoples of the North themselves and come to the conclusion that one of the reasons for suicides is the syncretic nature of beliefs that developed in the conditions of Christianization. Orthodox beliefs were not yet deep enough to perceive suicide as a sin, but they changed the lives of indigenous peoples, partially severing them from their natural habitat and creating a set of socio-economic problems. Thus, the "Orthodox" model of suicide prevention did not lead to success. The "Muslim" model, having more ancient roots in the region, was based on norms shared with indigenous peoples: the Siberian Tatars also had idols and elements of shamanism. The encounter took place during the common opposition to Christian missionary work. As a result, some groups of Northern peoples have completely converted to Islam. In contrast to Orthodoxy, this transition was not superficial, which ensured the rejection of suicides.