Jf
I lif<
HI I<j1 II f
PLATE XXX\'.
A FEiAIALE KATCHINTZIAN TARTAR.
r p
1 HE Tartars of tlie tribe of Katchintzi inhabit that part of the Russian
empire, wliich lies on the left bank of tlie river Enissey, at a very considerable
distance from its mouth; the centre of their territories being in
about 55° north latitude, and log" longitude east of London. The country
is mountainous, but fertile; and has abounded in mines. This tribe has
occupied it from time immemorial. Either the ancestors of the present
people, or those, who inhabited the country before them, worked these
mines to a considerable extent, and were in the habit of burying their
riches, consisting of utensils and ornaments in iron, silver, and gold,
particularly about the banks of the river Abakan, which falls into thé
Enissey. Many collections of this sort have been discovered by the
Russians, especially about the tombs and burial-places. The Katchintzi
never open any of the tombs for this purpose, so great is their
veneration for them. The character of these people is of a mixt nature :
they are addicted to drinking, and falsehood, and treachery; and j-et
they are seldom or never guilty of robbery : they are licentious in
their manners, and indolent in their employments. The occupation of
the women consists in spinning wool, and preparing thread from the
stalks of the nettle ; in making elotli, and in tanning skins. The dress
of the women consists of a sort of half-boots, made of skin, and
ornamented ; and close trowsers. The inner coat, or gov^ n, is of
linen, and sometimes silk procured from China, while the exterior is
made of fine cloth, skins, or silk: these are often very much Arorkcd
and embroidered in different colours from the robe itself Their bonnet
is formed quite flat to the head, and ornamented « ith fur; and their
cars are aluays graced ^Nith some ornament. ^oung persons of a
certain rank al«-ays ^^Tar a sash to fasten their inner robe, m hile the
exterior one is open.
iiilii^^i; :