Buddhist Symbolism in the System of Kalmyk Tamgas

The Kalmyks had converted to Buddhism centuries ago, and its symbolism is naturally integral to material and spiritual culture of the ethnos. The article examines Buddhist symbols used in tamgas ― Kalmyk clan markers that served to brand family or clan livestock, primarily horses and camels. Despite the tradition died away in the Soviet era, tamgas are still venerated, remaining symbols of clan identity. Goals. The paper reveals and describes sacred symbols incorporated into the system of Kalmyk tamgas. The materials are most essential to restore the developmental panorama of ethnic material and spiritual culture, which stays understudied and, thus, topical enough. Materials. The work analyzes field data collected by the author and students of the Gorodovikov Kalmyk State University during comprehensive research expeditions to Kalmykia’s districts between 1971 and 1990. Results. The study attests to quite a wide distribution of Buddhist symbols among Kalmyk tamgas, which indicates that people did revere them as sacred averters capable of protecting livestock, the herders’ main treasure.

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