Authors

Discussion

The paper’s main focus is on different approaches in relation to the modern Russian state regarding TEK (Traditional Ecological Knowledge) in wooden boatbuilding and maritime practices in Arkhangelsk and Murmansk region. Approaching TEK through Ingoldian theory (optics of dwelling and building perspectives), the paper shows the strategies that local boatbuilders and enthusiasts choose to preserve, maintain, and take further Traditional Knowledge under pressure of state regulations regarding boat registration and managing natural resources (wood, fish, seal). The paper is based on two summer fieldwork, which consisted of participating in boatbuilding at the yards in the city of Arkhangelsk, in two old fisher villages at the White Sea Coast (Letnya Zolotiza and Lopshen’ga) and mating in a sailing expedition at the traditional boat karbas across the Kandalaksha bay in Murmansk district. Participant observation was supported by interviews with local boatbuilders, navigators, activists, fish people, local government, and national park officials. Contextually, local environmental, technical, and historical features of boatbuilding and seafaring of the region, relations between natives and sea animals, bureaucratic and power relations between capitals and peripheries, and the problem of cultural heritage preservation are also mentioned in the paper.