List of Illustrations ix
Notes on Transliteration from Russian and Sakha xi
Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction: Encountering Olonkho 1
1 Epic Traditions, Performers, and Audiences 11
2 Effects of Change during the Soviet Era 33
3 Esteem for a Masterpiece: The Quest for Recognition 64
4 Examining the Role of UNESCO and Intangible Cultural Heritage 89
5 Elements of Resilience: Stable and Malleable 108
6 Epic Revitalization: Negotiating Identities and Other Challenges 135
7 Ensuring Sustainability through Transmission and Innovation 156
Glossary of Russian and Sakha Words 163
Notes 165
Works Cited 203
Index 225
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Description
"Ancient artistry comes to us through the trial of centuries. This book gives us hope that the heroic epics of the Yakuts, having survived under Soviet power, will outlive these rapidly changing, turbulent times as well."--Eduard Alekseyev, Academy of Spirituality, Sakha Republic (Yakutia)