The Circassian Tribes

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The Circassian Tribes of the Caucasus
Neil Davis Class 5
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Technology Symbols

• Technology
• Cherkesska clothing carry gun powder/cartridges
• Metallic goods uses as weapons, Kinjal
• Herbal medacine used by the initiated
• Symbols
• Facial hair represents maturity for boys
• Water bucket represents ones sexual prowess
• Adigha Khubaza the law of Circassians

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Language

• Nart Sagas oral tradition of mythology
• Ubykh an extinct language never written
• Hunter language preserves ancient religious
  ideas
• And archaic word stock of Circassians

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Values and Norms

• Values
• Adigha Khubaza respected by all Circassians
• Culture respect towards their ancient culture
• Family close relationships to one another
• Norms
• Obediance total obediance to parents/chieftains
• Respect everybody elderly/children respect
  another
• Company hosts for guests with extravagence

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Passage of Man/Womanhood

• Nothing unusual for this passage
• The children only turn 17
• Boys grow moustache to represent this
• Also grow beard when growing older

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Passage of Marriage

• The couple must be in love
• Groom stages mock kidnapping as proposal
• Groom has to presents leather corset
• Bride lives at the grooms house

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Passage of Death

• The family arranges the funeral
• Mourn 40 days wearing bowler hat
• Family allows neighbors to see them
• Neighbors pay respects wearing bowler hat

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Culture Shock!

• Definition one culture finds another unusual
• For Circassians The Harmony!
• Virtually no sexism in this tribe
• However, rivalry between the tribes
• U.S. has many issues regarding this
• 200 years for women to vote

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How Culture Affects The Circassians

• High respect for their ancient culture
• Also want adaption to modern society
• To be seen as dominant culture
• Issues with intergration old and new