In the vast territories of the Russian Federation from ancient times, many peoples, tribes and settlements inhabited. Each of them had its own individual culture, characteristic dialect and local traditions. To date, some of them have completely disappeared, while others have remained, but in a smaller composition. What are the smallest peoples of Russia? What is their history, culture and modern life? This will be discussed further.
Archintsy - small but unique
In the Charodinsky district, in the place where the Khatar River flows, which is located on the territory of Dagestan, a settlement is broken, the inhabitants of which are called Archintsy. Some of their neighbors abbreviated as archie. During the Soviet Union, their number reached almost 500 people. These are the small peoples of Russia. Today, this small settlement is not going to disappear from the face of the Earth, and totals about 1200 people.
Everyday life of Archinians
Weather conditions in the habitat of Archinians can be called unfavorable, as they are characterized by very cold and long winters, short summers. Despite such a harsh climate, the inhabitants of this area (the small peoples of Russia) have pretty good and productive pastures on which livestock are regularly grazed.
A cross between Christianity and paganism
A feature of this nationality is the cultural similarity with their neighbors - Avars. Although this area has not been thoroughly studied, from an archaeological point of view, it is safe to say that this area was developed in the early Bronze Age. Judging by the latest findings, it can be assumed that the tribe was under the influence of paganism for a rather long time and only relatively recently began to adopt Christian traditions as the main religion. As a result, we can say that the lion's share of rituals and other religious moments mixed together, and as a result Christianity was mixed with paganism. Indigenous peoples of Russia have come to terms with such a statement of things. 
National clothes and food
One can say a little about the traditional clothes of the tribe. It mainly consisted of raw skin and sheepskins. Such natural materials protected the Archinians quite well in the cold season, which, as you know, was quite long. The diet of the tribe is mainly meat. Raw, cured, uncooked smoked - all these and many other types of meat were actively used in the preparation of traditional dishes.
It is noteworthy that almost none of them could do without the addition of old mutton fat. They and some other spices generously seasoned both the first and second courses. In general, it is safe to say that the Archinians are a pleasant and hospitable, albeit not numerous, people.
Hospitality and morality
They honor ancient traditions and do not forget their origin. When a guest comes into the house, the owner does not sit down until the newcomer does. Also among the residents of Arcin, the concept of hospitality was not limited to a hearty dinner. To receive a guest in the full sense of the word meant to provide him with a roof over his head and complete safety within his home. From the above, we can safely conclude that this tribe possessed and has high moral standards.
Nogais or Karagash
Karagashi (Nogais) is a small ethnic group that settled and lives on the territory of modern Astrakhan region.In 2008, there were about 8 thousand people, but there are suggestions that today their number has increased significantly. It is on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk region that most of the villages where these small peoples of Russia live today are located.
Most of the small or nomadic tribes are very similar to each other by type of activity - this is cattle breeding and vegetable growing. If there is a lake or river in this area, the locals do not miss the opportunity to go fishing. Women in such tribes are very economic and almost always engage in some kind of intricate needlework.
One of the most famous nomadic tribes are the Astrakhan Tatars. This is truly the titular nationality of the Republic of Tatarstan, which today is part of the Russian Federation. Compared to other regions of Russia, Tatarstan is relatively numerous. According to some data recorded in 2002, there are about 8 million Tatars around the world. Astrakhan Tatars are one of their, so to speak, varieties. Rather, they can be called an ethno-territorial group. Their culture and traditions are not far removed from the usual Tatar customs, and only a little intertwined with Russian rites. These are the costs of the fact that the smallest people of Russia live on the territory of a not quite native state.
Udege people. Historically, the habitat of this small tribe was Primorsk. This is one of the few groups inhabiting Russia that does not have its own written language.
Their language is also broken by many dialects and does not have one officially approved form. Their traditional occupations include hunting. This, perhaps, is exactly what the male half of the tribe must possess perfectly. The small peoples of the north of Russia live in settlements where civilization is very poorly developed, so their hands, their abilities are almost the only way to survive in this world. And it turns out quite successfully.
The small nations of Russia have their own traditional religion
The religious theme of the tribe is very close. It seems that the closer a person lives to nature, the more he becomes a believer. And this is true, because alone with the sky, grass and trees, it seems that God himself is talking to you. Udege people believe in many different otherworldly beings, including spirits and various supernatural powers.
A few ulchs and their view of nomadic life
Ulchi. Translated means "the people of the earth", which, in fact, it is, that's just a very few people, you can even say - the smallest people in Russia. Today, the Ulchi are inhabited by the Khabarovsk Territory and number approximately 732 people. The tribe has historically been intertwined with the Nanai ethnic group. Traditionally, both in the past and in the present, the indigenous peoples of the north of Russia are engaged in fishing and seasonal hunting for moose or deer. If we talk about spiritual and religious life, we can understand that it is in this area in the Ulchi tribe that one can meet the real ritual shamans.
They worship spirits and in every possible way try to appease them with their behavior. Be that as it may, it is nice that even our civilized modernity has reached such tribes with their old customs, rites and traditions. This makes it possible to experience their primitive flavor and uniqueness. You can learn a lot from them regarding nature and human relationships.
Other small peoples of Russia (approximate list):
- yuga (yugen);
- Greek Urumah (Urumah);
- Mennonites (German Mennonites);
- Kereks
- Bagulaly (Bagvalins);
- Circassogai
- Kaitagians.
