Traditional crafts, well-wishes and cuisine of the Northern Altai

The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze traditional crafts, well-being and cuisine of the northern Altaians (Kumandinians, tubalars, Chelkance). In the 1990s, the northern Altaians were included in the List of Small Indigenous Peoples of the Russian Federation, which contributed to an increase in interest in folk traditions. The settlement territory of the northern Altaians is dominated by a low-ground landscape with a fir-cedar taiga, which in many ways defined their main occupations. Limited farming and pastoralism led to a greater role of gathering in the economy of the population of Northern Altai. To write the article, the author s field materials collected during ethnographic expeditions to the places of compact residence of the northern Altaians, the Turochak district of the Republic of Altai, were used.The article emphasizes the adaptation capabilities of the traditional culture of the northern Altaians in modern market relations. The main objectives of the State national policy for the small indigenous peoples of the Russian Federation are the preservation and development of their unique culture and the improvement of their socio-economic situation. Territories traditionally inhabited by small peoples have been officially approved by the Russian Government. At the same time, the State guarantees that indigenous representatives of small peoples will have full opportunity to pursue cultural life and engage in activities considered traditional for them.The work deals with the gathering of edible wild plants (cherries, ferns, candies) and berries (cranberries). Data on cedar trade, fishery, hunting are provided. The materials on well-being in the crafts, and traditional cuisine of the northern Altaians are given. The described fisheries for many families of northern Altaians are an additional source of income. In conclusion, it is stated that the processes that took place in the early 21st century among the northern Altai people showed how the culture, which has undoubtedly been changed over time, is being transformed. However, as the study shows, its basis remains unchanged (descent, importance of language knowledge, traditional crafts, hunting territories, etc.).