Physical conformation.—Undersized Mongols.Languages.—-Agglutinate; neither monosyllabic nor pauro-syllabic.Political relations.—Subject to either Russia or China.Religion.—Shamanism or imperfect Christianity.Distribution.—The coasts of the Arctic Ocean; the courses of the Yenisey and Kolyma. Areadiscontinuous.Divisions.—1. The Samöeids, 2. The Yeniseians. 3. The Yukahiri.
Physical conformation.—Undersized Mongols.
Languages.—-Agglutinate; neither monosyllabic nor pauro-syllabic.
Political relations.—Subject to either Russia or China.
Religion.—Shamanism or imperfect Christianity.
Distribution.—The coasts of the Arctic Ocean; the courses of the Yenisey and Kolyma. Areadiscontinuous.
Divisions.—1. The Samöeids, 2. The Yeniseians. 3. The Yukahiri.
The discontinuity of the Hyperborean area is to the following extent:—
a.The Samöeid class falls into two divisions, a northern and a southern; and these are separated from one another by Turk, Yeniseian, and Ugrian tribes.
b.The Yeniseians are surrounded by Ugrians, Turks, and Tungusians, with which they have less affinity than with the Samöeids, from whom they are separated.
c.The most western Yukahiri are separated from the most eastern Samöeids by Yakut Turks and Tungusians.
This discontinuity of area must be taken along with two other facts.
a.That the Hyperborean nations are nations of arecedingfrontier.
b.That the Turks, Tungús, and (in relation to the Hyperborean), the Ugrians, are nations of anencroachingfrontier. These give, as an inference, the probability of the three separate divisions having once been continuous; so that the original Hyperborean populations must be considered to have been broken up, and partially superseded by the Turks and Tungusians, and to exist, at present, only in the form of fragments.
Localities.—a.The parts around Lake Ubsa, within the limits of the Chinese Empire; the river Bashkus, which expands into the Lake Altin, or Teleakoi, and becomes one of the sources of the Obi.b.Tunkinsk, on the south-west extremity of the Lake Baikal, within the Russian territory.c.Abakansk on the left branch of the Upper Yenisey. From Abakansk, they moved eastwards inA.D.1618.d.The River Uda between the two branches of the Upper Yenisey.Tribes.—a.Of the Lake Ubsa, the Uriangchai or Soiot.b.Of the Uriangchai, the Bagari, the Matlar, the Tozhin, the Ulek.c.Of Abakansk; the Matorzi, or Motori, and Koibal. Probably now extinct; since in 1722, only ten families of the Modori remained. The Kamash.d.Of the Uda; the Karakash.Conterminouswith the Mongols, Tungusians, Yeniseians, and Turks. Separated by the last two from the Northern Samöeids.Vocabularies.—Of the Motori, Koibal, and Kamash.NORTHERN DIVISION (KHASOVO).Area.—From the Mezene, between the Petchora and Archangel, and falling into the White Sea, to the Chatunga in 105° east longitude, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean, and on the lower courses of the Petchora, Obi, and Yenisey.Southwards; on the Yenisey to Turokansk, on the Obi, as far as Tomsk. This is their nearest point to the Southern Samöeids.Conterminouswith the Yakuts and Tungusians(?) on the east, the Yeniseians and Turks on the south, and the Ostiaks and Russians on the west.Name.—Of the northern Samöeids on the River Tas, between the Yenisey and the Obi,Mokase. Of those of the Lower Obi and White Sea,Khasovo=men.Some of the Samöeid tribes are improperly called Ostiaks.Called bythemselvesNyenech=men."——————Khasovo=men."the Obi OstiaksJergan-yach."TungusiansDyândal."SyraniansYarang."WogulsYorran-kum."RussiansSamöeid.Vocabularies.—1. From Pustoserk, at the mouth of the Petchora. The north-westernmost locality.2. From Obdorsk, at the mouth of the Obi.3. From the River Tym, on the right side of the Obi.4. From the River Ket,ibid.5. From Narym between the two.6. From Pumpokolsk north of the Tym.7. From Tomsk, the southernmost locality.8. From the parts between the Obi and Yenisey, the Yurass, the Tas, Mangaseia vocabularies.9. From Turuchansk.10. From the east of Turuchansk. The Karass vocabulary.11. From the parts about the Chatunga. The Tawgi vocabulary. These the most easterly specimens.12. The Laak vocabulary.
Localities.—a.The parts around Lake Ubsa, within the limits of the Chinese Empire; the river Bashkus, which expands into the Lake Altin, or Teleakoi, and becomes one of the sources of the Obi.
b.Tunkinsk, on the south-west extremity of the Lake Baikal, within the Russian territory.
c.Abakansk on the left branch of the Upper Yenisey. From Abakansk, they moved eastwards inA.D.1618.
d.The River Uda between the two branches of the Upper Yenisey.
Tribes.—a.Of the Lake Ubsa, the Uriangchai or Soiot.
b.Of the Uriangchai, the Bagari, the Matlar, the Tozhin, the Ulek.
c.Of Abakansk; the Matorzi, or Motori, and Koibal. Probably now extinct; since in 1722, only ten families of the Modori remained. The Kamash.
d.Of the Uda; the Karakash.
Conterminouswith the Mongols, Tungusians, Yeniseians, and Turks. Separated by the last two from the Northern Samöeids.
Vocabularies.—Of the Motori, Koibal, and Kamash.
Area.—From the Mezene, between the Petchora and Archangel, and falling into the White Sea, to the Chatunga in 105° east longitude, along the coast of the Arctic Ocean, and on the lower courses of the Petchora, Obi, and Yenisey.
Southwards; on the Yenisey to Turokansk, on the Obi, as far as Tomsk. This is their nearest point to the Southern Samöeids.
Conterminouswith the Yakuts and Tungusians(?) on the east, the Yeniseians and Turks on the south, and the Ostiaks and Russians on the west.
Name.—Of the northern Samöeids on the River Tas, between the Yenisey and the Obi,Mokase. Of those of the Lower Obi and White Sea,Khasovo=men.
Some of the Samöeid tribes are improperly called Ostiaks.
Vocabularies.—1. From Pustoserk, at the mouth of the Petchora. The north-westernmost locality.
2. From Obdorsk, at the mouth of the Obi.
3. From the River Tym, on the right side of the Obi.
4. From the River Ket,ibid.
5. From Narym between the two.
6. From Pumpokolsk north of the Tym.
7. From Tomsk, the southernmost locality.
8. From the parts between the Obi and Yenisey, the Yurass, the Tas, Mangaseia vocabularies.
9. From Turuchansk.
10. From the east of Turuchansk. The Karass vocabulary.
11. From the parts about the Chatunga. The Tawgi vocabulary. These the most easterly specimens.
12. The Laak vocabulary.
Of all the tribes of Siberia the Samöeids are nearest to the Eskimo, or Greenlanders, in their physical appearance. Varieties, however, have been described; some tribes having been calledtall, othersfair. The general character is that of the Laplander, and the Eskimo—the other circumpolar divisions of the human species.[87]
The Koibals are in all probability the most advanced ofthe Samöeids—being the owners of herds, flocks, horses, and camels(?).
Fig. 9.
Fig. 9.
Fig. 9.
As early asA.D.1096, the termSamöeidappears in the Russian chronicles, and it is to be found again in the Travels of Plan Carpin, a hundred and fifty years later.
Locality.—Each side of Yenisey, limited by the Northern Samöeids between Inbask and Turuchansk, and by the Southern Samöeids and Turks, in the neighbourhood of Krasnoiarsk. On the west are the south-eastern tribes of the northern Samöeids. On the east Tungusians and Turks.Native name.—Könniyüng.Vocabularies.—1. Inbask. 2. Pumpokolsk. 3. Assan. 4. Kott. 5. Arinzi. 6. Denka.
Locality.—Each side of Yenisey, limited by the Northern Samöeids between Inbask and Turuchansk, and by the Southern Samöeids and Turks, in the neighbourhood of Krasnoiarsk. On the west are the south-eastern tribes of the northern Samöeids. On the east Tungusians and Turks.
Native name.—Könniyüng.
Vocabularies.—1. Inbask. 2. Pumpokolsk. 3. Assan. 4. Kott. 5. Arinzi. 6. Denka.
Native name.—Andon-Domni. Called by the Koræki Atal=spotted, from wearing rein-deer skins.Locality.—Valley of the Kolyma, originally of the Yana and Indijirka also.Particular tribes.—1. Tsheltiere, on the River Omolon. 2. Omoki, on the Atasey. 3-4. Tshuvantsi and Kudinski on the Anisey. 5. Konghini, on the Kolyma. 6. Shelagi, on the promontory of Shelagskoi Noss.Conterminouswith the Yakut Turks, the Lamut Tungusians, and the Koriaks.
Native name.—Andon-Domni. Called by the Koræki Atal=spotted, from wearing rein-deer skins.
Locality.—Valley of the Kolyma, originally of the Yana and Indijirka also.
Particular tribes.—1. Tsheltiere, on the River Omolon. 2. Omoki, on the Atasey. 3-4. Tshuvantsi and Kudinski on the Anisey. 5. Konghini, on the Kolyma. 6. Shelagi, on the promontory of Shelagskoi Noss.
Conterminouswith the Yakut Turks, the Lamut Tungusians, and the Koriaks.
The Yukahiri, although said to have been, even as late as the beginning of the last century, a powerful people, are at present rapidly diminishing. The Omoki and Shelagi are either extinct, or nearly so. So also, most probably, are the Tseltiere, the Kudinski, and the Konghini. Laying out of the account the influence of Russia, the northern Koriaks on the east, the Yakuts on the west, and the Lamut Tungusians on the south, have been the chief encroaching tribes.
The writer who has paid most attention to the language of these three divisions of the Siberian population is Klaproth; who, I believe, was also the first who separated the Yeniseians from the Ugrians. With these they were confounded, from the fact of their being denominated by the Russians,Ostiaks; a term, which from being already applied to the Ugrians of the Obi, was equivocal. To obviate this ambiguity, it was necessary to speak of two kinds of Ostiaks, those of the Obi, and those of the Yenisey; and so the nomenclature became confused. All this, however, is remedied by adhering to Klaproth's termYeniseian. And such is the present custom of philologists.
Respecting the extent to which the Yeniseian, the Samöeid, and Yukahiri, are isolated languages; the classification of the present writer is opposed to that of the Asia Polyglotta. Klaproth raises each to the rank of aseparate family, and neither admits any definite relationship between the three, as compared with each other, nor yet between any one of them and any of the neighbouring languages. Still he indicates some importantgeneralandmiscellaneousaffinities; and Prichard does the same. The following table helps to verify the present classification.
A.The Yeniseian of the Asia Polyglotta, and the Yukahiri of the Asia Polyglotta.English, beardInbask,kulye,kulgungPumpokolsk,clépukAssan,culup,chulpKott,hulupArinzi,korolepYukahiri,bu-gylbeEnglish, headInbask,tshigYukahiri,yokEnglish, mouthPumpokolsk,khanYukahiri,anyaEnglish, noseInbask,olgen,olenPumpokolsk,hangAssan,angYukahiri,yongul,iongioula.English, tongueAssan,alûpKott,alûpArinzi,alyapYukahiri,andzhubEnglish, earAssan,kologan,klokanKott,kaloganYukahiri,golondzhiEnglish, manInbask,çet,bletPumpokolsk,ilsetKott,hatketYukahiri,yaduEnglish, dogInbask,tsip,tipYukahiri,tabahaEnglish, thunderArinzi,esbath-yantuYukahiri,yenduEnglish, lightningInbask,yakene-bokYukahiri,bug-onsheEnglish, eggInbask,ongeArinze,angPumpokolsk,tanyangeegYukahiri,langdzhangoEnglish, leafAssan,yepanKott,dipangYukahiri,yipanEnglish, eatAssan,rayaliYukahiri,lagulEnglish, yellowKott,shuigaYukahiri,tshakatonniEnglish, moonPumpokolsk,tuiArinzi,shuiYukahiri,kinin-shiB.The Yeniseianof the Asia Polyglotta, and the Samöeid of the Asia Polyglotta.English, armArinzi,khinangMangaseia,kannamunneEnglish, fingerInbask,tokanPumpokolsk,tokTawgi,fyaakaYurass,tarkaEnglish, fleshArinzi,isAssan,iç,içiPumpokolsk,ziçMangaseia,osaTuruchansk,odzhaNarym, &c.,ueçKarass,hueçEnglish, fir-treeInbask,eiArinzi,ayaObdorsk,yeEnglish, eggInbask,ongArinzi,angPumpokolsk,egTas,igaEnglish, eggAssan,shuleiKott,shuleiMotorian,shlokEnglish, treeAssan,atshKott, &c.,açsheMotorian, &c.,chaEnglish, brotherAssan,pobeshKoibal,pabim=youngerEnglish, butterAssan, &c.,kayakMotorian,chayakEnglish, moonAssan,shuiKoibal,kuiEnglish, sunAssan, &c.,egaMotorian,kayeEnglish, stoneInbask,çijgs,tyesPumpokolsk,çys,kitAssan,shishKott,shishArinzi,khesMotorian,dagiaEnglish, summerAssan,shegaKott,chushshegaArinzi,sheiMotor,daghanKoibal,tagaEnglish, theyAssan,hatinArinzi,itangMotor,tinEnglish, womanInbask,bgimArinzi,byk-hamalteObdorsk,pug-utsuPustoserk,pug-içaEnglish, riverDenka,chugePustoserk,yagaEnglish, greatAssan,paçaArinzi,birkhaPustoserk,pirçeEnglish, eveningInbask,bisPumpokolsk,biçidinAssan,pidzigaYurass,pausemaObdorsk,paus-emyaPustoserk,paus-emyeEnglish, hillInbask, &c.,chaiSamöeid,syeo,koEnglish, bedInbask,chodzhaObdorsk,chobaTawgi,kufuEnglish, birch-treeInbask,uusyaAssan,uçaKott,uçaPustoserk,chuTawgi, &c.,kuieKet,tiueEnglish, leafYeniseian,yp-anPumpokolsk,efigPustoserk,wybaObdorsk,wiibeYurass,neweTomsk,tyabaNarym,çabeKamash,dzhaba
A.
The Yeniseian of the Asia Polyglotta, and the Yukahiri of the Asia Polyglotta.
B.
The Yeniseianof the Asia Polyglotta, and the Samöeid of the Asia Polyglotta.
Nevertheless, the present class is provisional. All that is at present asserted, is that the three divisions which it contains, are not sufficiently distinct to be separated. Whether, however, the whole section may not, hereafter, become a sub-division of either the Turanian, or the Peninsular Mongolidæ, is doubtful. Most probably it will.
FOOTNOTES:[87]Mammarum summitates apud Samöeidas nigerrimæ. Sic apud authores reperi; quos, suspicor, aut gravidas, aut viragines fusciores vidisse. Idem de Lapponibus traditur. Præcox, quoque, pro borealibus, puellarum Venus; catameniis ante duodecimum annum accedentibus.
[87]Mammarum summitates apud Samöeidas nigerrimæ. Sic apud authores reperi; quos, suspicor, aut gravidas, aut viragines fusciores vidisse. Idem de Lapponibus traditur. Præcox, quoque, pro borealibus, puellarum Venus; catameniis ante duodecimum annum accedentibus.
[87]Mammarum summitates apud Samöeidas nigerrimæ. Sic apud authores reperi; quos, suspicor, aut gravidas, aut viragines fusciores vidisse. Idem de Lapponibus traditur. Præcox, quoque, pro borealibus, puellarum Venus; catameniis ante duodecimum annum accedentibus.
This division comprises tribes which, I believe, have not hitherto been thrown in the same class, tribes separated from each other by considerable breaks in the geographical, and even in the ethnological continuity. Some of these lie within the Arctic Circle; others as far south as 26° north latitude. Not less distant are the two extremes of their social development; one section of the group partaking of the civilization of China, another exhibiting the rudeness of the Samöeid, and Yeniseian.
Physical conformation.—Mongol.Languages.—Agglutinate. In some cases excessivelypoly-syllabic.Area.—Islands and peninsulas of the north-eastern coast of Asia.Divisions.—1. The Koreans. 2. The Japanese. 3. The Aino. 4. The Koriaks. 5. The Kamskadales.
Physical conformation.—Mongol.
Languages.—Agglutinate. In some cases excessivelypoly-syllabic.
Area.—Islands and peninsulas of the north-eastern coast of Asia.
Divisions.—1. The Koreans. 2. The Japanese. 3. The Aino. 4. The Koriaks. 5. The Kamskadales.
After indicating the points of difference, it is necessary to justify the present classification by showing in what way the divisions of the Peninsular Mongolidæ agree.
1. They agree in their land and water relations—being, as is expressed by the epithet applied to them, the inhabitants of eitherpeninsulasor of islands that form an extension of them; a fact wherein we have, to a certain extent, common conditions in the way of physical, and common conditions in the way of social development.
2. They lie within a few degrees of the samelongitude.This, however, is a mere consequence of their position on the same side of the same continent.
3. They are more maritime in locality than in habit; the Japanese being the chief navigators of the group. Compared, however, with the Chinese and Malays, the Japanese are but moderate navigators.
4. Although at present interrupted, there is good reason for believing that the original area was continuous. The parts that are broken are the tracts between Korea and the mouth of the Amur, and the south-west coast of the sea of Okhotsk. Now this interval is filled up by the Tungusian tribes; tribes whose area has certainly been anencroachingone.
5. As compared with the Chinese, the Japanese and Korean languages arenotmonosyllabic.
6. As compared with the Yakut Turk, and the Lamut Tungusian, the Kamskadale and Koriak are not Turanian.
7. What applies to the language of the Peninsular tribes applies to their physical appearance also.
All this, however, may be the case without affording the least proof of a true ethnological connection,i.e.of a connection in the way of descent and affiliation; since even the similarity of physical appearance, which, making allowance for differences of latitude and civilization, is, from all accounts, very close, may merely be the effect of common climatologic conditions, wholly independent of relationship.
To prove this a fresh set of facts is required. Nor are they wanting.
1. The Peninsular languages have a generalglossarialconnection with each other; thegrammaticalstructure of only one of them (the Japanese) being known.
2. The Peninsular languages have a general glossarial connection with a third class.
In the opinion of the present writer the Peninsular languages agree in the general fact of being more closely akin to those ofAmericathan any other; and this, of itself, he considers to be a sufficient reason for placing them in a separate division. It also, to a certain extent, removes the evidence of their mutual affinity to another part of the work,i.e.that which treats of the origin of the American population; inasmuch as the same tables which connect the American languages with the Peninsular ones, connect these last with each other. In a series of monographs these proofs could have been given separate; in a systematic work, however, it is necessary to economise space by making the same lists prove two points at once. Hence, they will appear in the sequel.
Locality.—The peninsula of Korea; in Chinese, Kao-li.Political relations.—Subject to China.Religion.—That of Fo, modified.Alphabet.—Not rhæmatographic.Chief foreign influences.—Chinese, Mantshu, and Japanese; in the thirteenth century, Mongolian.Physical appearance.—"The Kooraïan is superior in stature to the Japanese; yet his height seldom exceeds five-and-a-half Parisian feet: he is of strong, vigorous make, his figure well-proportioned, active, and full of life. The shape of his features bears in general the impress of the Mongolian race: the coarse broad countenance; the projecting cheek-bones; the strong under-jaw; the nose depressed at the root or upper part, and broadly-spread alæ; the large mouth, with broad lips; the peculiar position of the eyes, apparently angular in the direction of their opening; the rough, thick, black hair of the head, often inclined to a red brown colour; thick eyebrows; thin beard; with a reddish-yellow, wheat-coloured (weitzen-farbich), or straw-coloured complexion, announce him at once and at the first look, as an inhabitant of the north-eastern parts of Asia. This type is common to most of the Kooraïans observed by us, and they recognise it as that which is most distinctive of their nation."—Siebold.[88]
Locality.—The peninsula of Korea; in Chinese, Kao-li.
Political relations.—Subject to China.
Religion.—That of Fo, modified.
Alphabet.—Not rhæmatographic.
Chief foreign influences.—Chinese, Mantshu, and Japanese; in the thirteenth century, Mongolian.
Physical appearance.—"The Kooraïan is superior in stature to the Japanese; yet his height seldom exceeds five-and-a-half Parisian feet: he is of strong, vigorous make, his figure well-proportioned, active, and full of life. The shape of his features bears in general the impress of the Mongolian race: the coarse broad countenance; the projecting cheek-bones; the strong under-jaw; the nose depressed at the root or upper part, and broadly-spread alæ; the large mouth, with broad lips; the peculiar position of the eyes, apparently angular in the direction of their opening; the rough, thick, black hair of the head, often inclined to a red brown colour; thick eyebrows; thin beard; with a reddish-yellow, wheat-coloured (weitzen-farbich), or straw-coloured complexion, announce him at once and at the first look, as an inhabitant of the north-eastern parts of Asia. This type is common to most of the Kooraïans observed by us, and they recognise it as that which is most distinctive of their nation."—Siebold.[88]
The political relations towards China, the great amount of Chinese influences upon the civilization of Korea, and the physical likeness between the Koreans and the Chinesehave had, in many instances, the effect of diverting the attention of ethnologists from the true affinities of this division of the Peninsular Mongolidæ; and it should be added that the last of the three facts just enumerated is a legitimate ground for looking, in the first instance, to China.
It is one which the present writer has no wish to conceal. The question, however, must be viewed in all its bearings; in which case we meet with the important fact that the Korean language is anything rather than monosyllabic. Siebold, as I learn from Prichard, thought that he perceived some analogies between the Japanese, the Korean, and the Aino. He might have done more. He might have been sure of their existence—and that to an extent sufficient to throw the three tongues in the same category.
According to Klaproth,[89]speaking on the authority of Chinese writers, the present inhabitants of Korea represent the mixture of two separate populations; the true aborigines being the Koreans of the south, called by the Chinese, theSam Han=the three tribes of Han. The northern are a people who came originally from a country lying to the northward of the Chinese province of Tshy-li, called by the Chinese writersSian-pi. Whether this mixture, supposing it to be real, represents the juxtaposition of tribes, widely different or different in little more than name, is uncertain. Prichard, however, has truly remarked that the physical characters of both must have been nearly alike, inasmuch as they were each within the region where the Turanian type prevails. It may also be added that no traces of a second philological element in the difference between the Northern and the Southern Korean dialects have yet been pointed out. In a language, however, so imperfectly understood, this is not saying much.
In regard to the physical difference between different Korean individuals no such negative statement can be made. Dr. Siebold[90]writes as follows:—"In the countenances of the Kooraïans we may recognise the characteristics of two different races of people. The nose pressed down near the inner angle of the orbit and expanding itself into broad alæ; the eyes obliquely placed, with the inner angles widely separated from each other; the greater projection of the cheek-bones; are marks of the race first described. But when the root of the nose is more raised and the nose more straight, the configuration of the countenance approaches to the stamp of the Caucasian type, and the form of the eyes is more like that of Europeans; the cheek-bones, too, are less prominent, and the sharp profile, which is wanting to the Mongolian race, now makes its appearance. The more the countenance belongs to the former cast the less beard does it display, whereas, in persons of a sharp profile, the beard is often rather strong. The skull is in these instances less compressed, the forehead, which elsewhere retreats, is straight, and the whole aspect of the countenance displays a certain noble expression which is looked for in vain in the rough traits of the Mongolian type."
As evidence, however, to the presence of a foreign element of the kind implied in the Chinese account, this is imperfect—indeed I have no reason to believe that it is meant to be such—since it is not said by Dr. Siebold that this difference of feature coincides with the northern and southern portions of the population.
Localities.—From south to north—the Lú Chú Islands, Kiúsiú, Sikoko, Nipon, the southern part of Jesso.Political relations.—Independent.Alphabet.—Not rhæmatographic.Religion.—a.Of Chinese origin—1. That of Fo, modified; 2. The philosophical system of Confucius, modified.b.The original Paganism.Physical Appearance.—"The people of this nation are well made, active, free, and easy in their motions, with stout limbs, although their strength is not to be compared with that of the northern inhabitants of Europe. The men are of the middling size, and in general not very corpulent; yet I have seen some that were fat. They are of a yellowish colour all over, sometimes bordering on brown, and sometimes on white. The lower class of people, who in summer, when at work, lay bare the upper part of their bodies, are sun-burnt, and consequently brown. Ladies of distinction, who seldom go out in the open air without being covered, are perfectly white. It is by their eyes that, like the Chinese, these people are distinguishable. These organs have not that rotundity, which those of other nations exhibit, but are oblong, small, and are sunk deeper in the head, in consequence of which these people have almost the appearance of being pink-eyed. Their eyes are dark-brown, or rather black, and the eyelids form in the great angle of the eye a deep furrow, which makes the Japanese look as if they were sharp-sighted, and discriminates them from other nations. The eyebrows are also placed somewhat higher. Their heads are in general large, and their necks short; their hair black, thick, and shining, from the use they make of oils. Their noses, although not flat, are yet rather thick and short."—Thunberg.[91]"The population of Fizen, as well as that of the whole island of Kiúsiú, is divided between the dwellers on the coast, and those of the interior and of the towns, who differ from each other in their physical aspect, language, manners, and character."The coasts, and the numberless islands which border on them, are inhabited by fishers and seafaring people, men small but vigorous, of a deeper colour than those of the other classes. Their hair, more frequently black than of a red brown colour,—brun-rougeâtre,†—is crisped in some individuals who have also the facial angle strongly marked,—très prononcée,—their lips puffed,—enflées,—the nose small, slightly aquiline, and depressed at the root,—renfoncée à la racine."Address, perseverance, boldness, a frankness which never amounts to effrontery, a natural benevolence and a complaisance which approaches to the abject; such are the characteristic qualities of the sea-coast people."The natives of the interior of Kiúsiú, who devote themselves chiefly to agriculture, are a larger race, and are distinguishable by a broad and flattened countenance; by the prominence of their cheek-bones, and the distance between the inner canthi; by their broad and very flat nose, their large mouth; by their hair, which is of a deep brown colour, inclining to red-brown,tirant sur le brun-rougeâtre,—and by the clearer colour of their skin. Among the cultivators, who are perpetually exposed to the air and sun, the skin becomes red: the women, who protect themselves from the influence of the atmosphere, have generally a fine and white skin, and the cheeks of the young girls display a blooming carnation."This agricultural race is laborious, sober, pious, cordial, and consequently hospitable. The savage nature, tempered from infancy by the constant observance of the forms of politeness and the etiquette of the country, does not exclude a certain nobility, and never degenerates into grossness as among the peasantry of Europe. The husbandmen of Fizen are even too ceremonious."—Siebold.[92]Of the nobles of Japan, Kæmpfer says, they "are somewhat more majestic in their shape and countenance than the generality, and are more like Europeans."[93]
Localities.—From south to north—the Lú Chú Islands, Kiúsiú, Sikoko, Nipon, the southern part of Jesso.
Political relations.—Independent.
Alphabet.—Not rhæmatographic.
Religion.—a.Of Chinese origin—1. That of Fo, modified; 2. The philosophical system of Confucius, modified.
b.The original Paganism.
Physical Appearance.—"The people of this nation are well made, active, free, and easy in their motions, with stout limbs, although their strength is not to be compared with that of the northern inhabitants of Europe. The men are of the middling size, and in general not very corpulent; yet I have seen some that were fat. They are of a yellowish colour all over, sometimes bordering on brown, and sometimes on white. The lower class of people, who in summer, when at work, lay bare the upper part of their bodies, are sun-burnt, and consequently brown. Ladies of distinction, who seldom go out in the open air without being covered, are perfectly white. It is by their eyes that, like the Chinese, these people are distinguishable. These organs have not that rotundity, which those of other nations exhibit, but are oblong, small, and are sunk deeper in the head, in consequence of which these people have almost the appearance of being pink-eyed. Their eyes are dark-brown, or rather black, and the eyelids form in the great angle of the eye a deep furrow, which makes the Japanese look as if they were sharp-sighted, and discriminates them from other nations. The eyebrows are also placed somewhat higher. Their heads are in general large, and their necks short; their hair black, thick, and shining, from the use they make of oils. Their noses, although not flat, are yet rather thick and short."—Thunberg.[91]
"The population of Fizen, as well as that of the whole island of Kiúsiú, is divided between the dwellers on the coast, and those of the interior and of the towns, who differ from each other in their physical aspect, language, manners, and character.
"The coasts, and the numberless islands which border on them, are inhabited by fishers and seafaring people, men small but vigorous, of a deeper colour than those of the other classes. Their hair, more frequently black than of a red brown colour,—brun-rougeâtre,†—is crisped in some individuals who have also the facial angle strongly marked,—très prononcée,—their lips puffed,—enflées,—the nose small, slightly aquiline, and depressed at the root,—renfoncée à la racine.
"Address, perseverance, boldness, a frankness which never amounts to effrontery, a natural benevolence and a complaisance which approaches to the abject; such are the characteristic qualities of the sea-coast people.
"The natives of the interior of Kiúsiú, who devote themselves chiefly to agriculture, are a larger race, and are distinguishable by a broad and flattened countenance; by the prominence of their cheek-bones, and the distance between the inner canthi; by their broad and very flat nose, their large mouth; by their hair, which is of a deep brown colour, inclining to red-brown,tirant sur le brun-rougeâtre,—and by the clearer colour of their skin. Among the cultivators, who are perpetually exposed to the air and sun, the skin becomes red: the women, who protect themselves from the influence of the atmosphere, have generally a fine and white skin, and the cheeks of the young girls display a blooming carnation.
"This agricultural race is laborious, sober, pious, cordial, and consequently hospitable. The savage nature, tempered from infancy by the constant observance of the forms of politeness and the etiquette of the country, does not exclude a certain nobility, and never degenerates into grossness as among the peasantry of Europe. The husbandmen of Fizen are even too ceremonious."—Siebold.[92]
Of the nobles of Japan, Kæmpfer says, they "are somewhat more majestic in their shape and countenance than the generality, and are more like Europeans."[93]
The notices of tribes darker in colour than the dominant part of the population, of which we have seen so much in the oceanic area, re-appear in the history of Japan. They are stated to belong to either the interior or to the southern portion of the empire. This, however, may be the case without involving the necessity of assuming a second source for the population; at the same time such a second source is no ethnological improbability. The darker Amphinesians of Formosa, may possibly have tended farther northward.
The Japanese Alphabet is of Chinese origin; changed from a rhæmatographic to a syllabic form. Indeed the great civilizing influence in Japan has been from China. This, according to the doubts expressed in a previous[94]part of the present work, limits the antiquity of the Japanese history, and the value of the Japanese traditions.
The original paganism of Japan is probably to be studied in the Kurile Islands. Siebold's notice of it (extracted from Prichard)[95], is as follows:—
"The Kamis or gods of the original Japanese, were, according to a collection of the national traditions, not eternal. The first five gods originated at the separation of elements in which the world began: they are the Amatsukami. A bud, similar to that of theAsi, theErianthus Japonicus, expanded itself between heaven and earth andproducedKuni-soko-tatsino-mi-koto, or the 'Maker of the dry land,' who governed the world, as yet unfashioned, during an immeasurable space of time, which was more than a hundred thousand millions of years. This kami had many successors whose reigns were nearly as long. Their temples are still places of worship in Oomi and Ise, districts of Japan. There were seven dynasties of celestial gods. The last, Iza-na-gi, standing on a bridge that floated between heaven and earth, said to his wife, Iza-na-mi, 'Come on; there must be some habitable land: let us try to find it.' He dipped his pike, ornamented with precious stones, into the surrounding waters and agitated the waves: the drops which fell from his pike when he raised it thickened and formed an island, named 'Ono-koro-sima.' On this island Iza-na-gi and his wife descended, and made the other provinces of the Japanese empire. From them descended the five dynasties or reigns of earthly gods. From the last of these originated Zin-moo-teu-woo, the ruler of men, who, as above mentioned, founded the empire of Japan, and conquered the aboriginal tribes. From Zin-moo's reign is dated the first year of the epoch of Japanese chronology, coinciding with the seventh year of the Chinese emperor Hoéï-wâng,B. C.660. Such is the cosmogony of the Japanese. Their highest adoration is given to the deity of the sun, offspring of Iza-na-gi and Iza-na-mi: to him are subordinate all the genii or demons which govern the elements and all the operations of nature, as well as the souls of men, who after death go to the gods or to an infernal place of punishment, according to their actions on earth. Sacred festivals are held at certain seasons of the year and at changes of the moon. The whole number of kamis or gods worshipped by the Japanese amounts to three thousand onehundred and thirty-two. These gods are worshipped in different temples without idols."
Name.—Chinese, Lieou-Khieou. Native, Oghii.Religion.—Buddhism.Political relations.—Tribute paid both to China and Japan.Language.—Akin to the Japanese.Alphabets.—Chinese and Japanese.Physical appearance.—"Their hair, which is of a glossy black, is shaved off the crown. Their beards and mustachios are allowed to grow. They are rather low in stature, but are well formed, and have an easy, graceful carriage. Their colour is not good, some being very dark, and others nearly white, but in most instances they are of a deep copper. This is fully compensated by the sweetness and intelligence of their countenance. Their eyes, which are black, have a placid expression."[96]
Name.—Chinese, Lieou-Khieou. Native, Oghii.
Religion.—Buddhism.
Political relations.—Tribute paid both to China and Japan.
Language.—Akin to the Japanese.
Alphabets.—Chinese and Japanese.
Physical appearance.—"Their hair, which is of a glossy black, is shaved off the crown. Their beards and mustachios are allowed to grow. They are rather low in stature, but are well formed, and have an easy, graceful carriage. Their colour is not good, some being very dark, and others nearly white, but in most instances they are of a deep copper. This is fully compensated by the sweetness and intelligence of their countenance. Their eyes, which are black, have a placid expression."[96]
Locality.—a.On the Continent.—1. The mouth of the Amur. 2. The southernmost extremity of Kamskatka.b.The Kurile Islands, and the northern part of Jesso.c.The island, or peninsula of Saghalin.Political relations.—Subject to China, Russia, and Japan.Religion.—Imperfect Buddhism. The doctrine of Siúdú. Paganism.Physical appearance.—Skin darker than that of the Japanese, but, probably (from the iris being lighter) this is through being more exposed.
Locality.—a.On the Continent.—1. The mouth of the Amur. 2. The southernmost extremity of Kamskatka.b.The Kurile Islands, and the northern part of Jesso.c.The island, or peninsula of Saghalin.
Political relations.—Subject to China, Russia, and Japan.
Religion.—Imperfect Buddhism. The doctrine of Siúdú. Paganism.
Physical appearance.—Skin darker than that of the Japanese, but, probably (from the iris being lighter) this is through being more exposed.
An Aino tribe occupying the banks of the Amur, and noticed by Timkowski,[97]under the name of Kileng, or Kilerzi, is probably the same with the Gilacken[98]of Von Middendorf. Of these the appearance is varied, sometimes Japanese, sometimes Caucasian.
The moral character of the Aino has generally been described in highly favourable terms. Their religion is probably allied to the original paganism of Japan.
"The sun, the moon, the sea, and other striking objects of nature, are the divinities of the Aino: they represent them under rude symbols and offer sacrifices to them. The men of Karafto burn upon the shore the heads of animalswhich they have caught, as a gift to the sea. Daily the Aino addresses the following words to the divinity who protects his cabin:—'We thank thee,[99]Kamoï, for having dwelt here in our coast and watched for us,' and he repeats after the prayer, 'Kamoï ever take care of us.' They believe likewise that there is a God of heaven and of hell; this is the residence of Nitsul Kamoï. They have also little wooden temples containing images of their idols carved in wood. Yearly they have a festival termed Omsia, when all the family regale themselves withsakéand bear's flesh. In their marriages the Aino are careful to avoid too near relationship. In Karafto, the inhabitants of the north take wives from the southern part. The chief of the village confirms the marriage, which is concluded on the dowry or price being paid to the father of the betrothed. The women are free, and in Karafto rule their husbands.
"Before funerals the Aino puts on a new coat made of fine bark. The Smerenkow burns the body and collects the ashes which are kept in a little chapel, makes offerings to the presiding idol, and covers with branches the spot where the body was consumed. They erect stakes in honour of the defunct, from the wood of the house, which is always pulled down. Bodies of the rich receive honours of a different kind: they are embalmed, filled with odoriferous herbs, and dried during a year, then placed in a sepulchre, where they are annually visited by their relatives. Yet the Aino have no calendar and reckon time by the fall of the leaf. They have neither letters nor money. They apply two remedies in case of all sickness, a 'boletus laricis' and the rootikeme, supposed to be a sort ofasclepias."[100]
Two statements have been made concerning the Aino, which are curious if true.
1. That of all men they are the most covered with hair; even their backs being covered with it. I am inclined to class this with the tails of the Nicobar islanders.
2. That they ride upon bears; which the females suckle when young, and so tame; a fact, when verified, of equal novelty in zoology and ethnography.
The Peninsula of Sagalin, and the island of Jesso are the probable lines by which Japan was peopled; at least so far as the simple land-and-water conditions are concerned. And I know nothing that counteracts them.
The Kachhall.—This is a tribe mentioned by Von Middenorf as inhabiting the south bank of the Amur. He knows it, however, only from the description given by the Ainos. Their stature is short; the lower extremities disproportionately so.
Present area.—The parts between the Omolon, an eastern branch of the Kolyma, the Arctic Ocean, Behring's Straits, and the Gulf of Anadyr, except only a tract of coast in the two latter localities, inhabited by theNamollos. Southwards, to the middle of the Peninsula of Kamskatka, across the northern portion of which it extends. The head of the Gulf of Penjinsk, in the Sea of Okhotsk. Conterminous with the Yukahiri, Lamut Tungusians, Kamskadales, and Namollos.Supposed ancient area.—As far west as the Kolyma, possibly farther. Probably also farther south. On the other hand,notso far east as at present; the Namollos being believed to have extended so far as Shelagskoi Noss.Divisions.—a.Northern Koriaks, or Tshuktshi;b.Southern Koriaks, or Koræki. The two divisions separated by the river Anadyr.Habits.—Nomadic.Kora, which is said to mean a rein-deer, is held to be the root of the term Koræki, a name which, for the southern Koriaks, is stated to be indigenous.Religion.—Shamanism. In some cases an imperfect Christianity.Political relations.—The Southern Koriaks tributary to Russia; the Northern, (or Tshuktshi) independent.Physical appearance.—The Koræki are taller, and with eyes less sunken, and noses less depressed than the Kamskadales; differential points which are still more marked in the Tshuktshi.
Present area.—The parts between the Omolon, an eastern branch of the Kolyma, the Arctic Ocean, Behring's Straits, and the Gulf of Anadyr, except only a tract of coast in the two latter localities, inhabited by theNamollos. Southwards, to the middle of the Peninsula of Kamskatka, across the northern portion of which it extends. The head of the Gulf of Penjinsk, in the Sea of Okhotsk. Conterminous with the Yukahiri, Lamut Tungusians, Kamskadales, and Namollos.
Supposed ancient area.—As far west as the Kolyma, possibly farther. Probably also farther south. On the other hand,notso far east as at present; the Namollos being believed to have extended so far as Shelagskoi Noss.
Divisions.—a.Northern Koriaks, or Tshuktshi;b.Southern Koriaks, or Koræki. The two divisions separated by the river Anadyr.
Habits.—Nomadic.Kora, which is said to mean a rein-deer, is held to be the root of the term Koræki, a name which, for the southern Koriaks, is stated to be indigenous.
Religion.—Shamanism. In some cases an imperfect Christianity.
Political relations.—The Southern Koriaks tributary to Russia; the Northern, (or Tshuktshi) independent.
Physical appearance.—The Koræki are taller, and with eyes less sunken, and noses less depressed than the Kamskadales; differential points which are still more marked in the Tshuktshi.
The southern Koriaks have probably encroached upon the Kamskadales, and been encroached upon by the Lamut Tungusians. The Tshuktshi have, in like manner, receded in one quarter and encroached in another. Before the Russians they have retreated towards the east and north. The Yukahiri tribes, however, they have displaced and, in some cases, exterminated. They still hold their independence.
This, in some measure, accounts for our imperfect knowledge of them, little being ascertained except their uncivilized, nomadic character, their political independence, the Shamanistic nature of their religion, and their general resemblance in respect to physical conformation to theAmericanIndians.
Polygamy is general amongst them, and according to Von Matiushkin, the chief authority upon the subject, the women, although certainly slaves, are allowed more influence, and are subjected to less labour than is the case amongst most other rude tribes. Deformed children are destroyed, and so are those which, for other reasons, are likely to become difficult to rear. So also are such aged and infirm persons, as have become unfit for wear and tear of a nomadic life within the Arctic circle.
So great is the influence of the Shamans, or so low is the value set upon human life, that in 1814, after a terrible storm, followed by a fatal epidemic, and by a murrain among the cattle, the result of a general consultation having been, that one of the most respected of the chiefs, named Kotshen, must be sacrificed, to appease the irritated spirits, the sacrifice took place accordingly. In the first instance, indeed, the commands of the Shamans were rejected. The plague, however, continued, when Kotshen at last declared his willingness to submit. Noone, however, could be found to be his executioner; until his own son plunged a knife in his heart, and gave his body to the Shamans.
The Tshuktshi habitations consist of an outer and larger tent, under which are two or three smaller ones; these last being made of skins stretched over laths, and so low, that the persons inside can only sit upon the ground. It has no opening for air or light, and is entered by an aperture barely large enough for the body of the owner. An earthen vessel filled with train oil, and with a wick of moss, serves as a lamp rather as a fire; and so close is the atmosphere, that the heat which it affords is sufficient. Here the family sit, during the intense cold of an Arctic winter, either wholly naked, or with the very scantiest clothing.
They call themselvesTshekto=people. "They are distinguished from the other Asiatic races, by their stature and physiognomy, which appears to me toresemble that of the Americans,[101]but the language is different."
Locality.—The southern half (or third) of the Peninsula of Kamskatka, with the exception of the extreme point of the peninsula; which is inhabited by the Aino.Native name.—Itülmen.Dialects.—Four. That of Tigil, so much mixed with Koriak, as to be sometimes quoted as the Koriak of Tigil.Physical appearance.—Undersized Mongols, with little beard, sunken eyes and depressed noses.
Locality.—The southern half (or third) of the Peninsula of Kamskatka, with the exception of the extreme point of the peninsula; which is inhabited by the Aino.
Native name.—Itülmen.
Dialects.—Four. That of Tigil, so much mixed with Koriak, as to be sometimes quoted as the Koriak of Tigil.
Physical appearance.—Undersized Mongols, with little beard, sunken eyes and depressed noses.
The true Kamskadales are a nearly extinct race. Amongst the causes of their rapid diminution a kind of death, rare amongst savage nations, is enumerated—suicide.
"According to Steller, the Kamtschatkans have no idea of a Supreme Being, but this must have been true only in some peculiar sense of the expression, for he adds anaccount of their mythology, which in part contradicts the above statement. They believe, as he says, in the immortality of souls. All creatures, even to the smallest fly, are destined, as they believe, to another eternal life under the earth, where they are to meet with similar adventures to those of their present state of existence, but never to suffer hunger. In that world there is no punishment of crimes, which, in the opinion of the Kamskadales, meet their chastisement in the present life, but the rich are destined to become poor and the poor here are to be enriched. The sky and stars existed before the earth, which was made by Katchu, or, as others say, brought by Katchu and his sister Katligith with them from heaven and fastened upon the sea. After Katchu had made the earth he left heaven and came to dwell in Kamtschatka. He had a son, Tigil, and a daughter, Sidanka, who married and became parents of offspring: the latter clothed themselves with the leaves of trees and fed upon the bark, for beasts were not yet made, and the gods knew not how to catch fish. When Katchu went to drink, the hills and valleys were formed under his feet, for the earth had till then been a flat surface. Tigil finding his family increase invented nets and betook himself to fishing. The Kamtschatkans have, like other pagans, images of their gods."[102]
NowTigilis the name of the chief river of Kamskatka; the one which divides the Kamskadales from the Korki; so that, in Tigil the god, we have theeponymusof what in the Bodo, as in many other countries besides, is a common object of reverence.[103]