The Dukha and how they perceive the environment- maintaining good relations with land spirits

The Dukha in northern Mongolia represent the most southern ?reindeer herders? of Siberia. Despite relying on the reindeers for a living, the Dukha do not slaughter their reindeers. They use the reindeers for riding and for their milk. Their main subsistence is based on hunting and gathering activities. This research examines the subsistence of the Dukha and then looks into how the Dukha relate to their environment.The social organization of the Dukha, just like their subsistence, shows similar features with hunter-gatherers. They do not have a leader and they share the game meat among all families. The general egalitarian relations among people are also reflected to the relations people have with reindeers, wild animals and nature. The Dukha have established a relation with their reindeers that supports partnership instead of ownership. They also have many taboos related to hunting, which assures that respect to the animal is carried out. They always make sure that they do not hunt excessively.My research suggests that all these relations in Dukha society show egalitarian patterns in which mutual respect and affection are the main values to maintain harmony in the universe. People do not see themselves as the owners of the universe, but they are just participants. They believe that all mountains, rivers, forests have their owners that protect them. These land spirits that are highly valued, feared, trusted and respected serve as mediators between all living things to maintain justice and harmony. People relate to their environment through these land spirits.