Velocity and Purpose among Reindeer Herders in the Verkhoyansk Mountains

In: Inner Asia, Band 22, Heft 1, S. 28-48

Abstract

Abstract
Why would anyone want to travel fast? This paper places local evaluations of velocity in the context of purpose, distinguishing between the excursion of the hunter, the perpetual annual circuit of the reindeer herder and the one-off journey. Reindeer hooves and sledge runners enhance human velocity on the ground. In its extreme reduction of friction, aviation mimics the soul-flight of shamans and compresses distance, but also creates new purposes and concepts of destination, while telecommunication abolishes distance altogether. In generating their own purposes and rhythms, reindeer, aircraft and radio each generate different kinds of personhood and ways of feeling.