Chukotka archaeology: prospects for tourism development on the edge of the Russian Arctic
In the footsteps of ancient whalers
11 october 2024In 2024, Chukotka hosted a series of expeditions that surveyed the condition of the region's archaeological sites. Scientists examined the Omrynskaya site and burial ground, the Vilka-1 and Kameshki sites, and the Yukagirskaya Sopka burial ground. They were registered as specially protected objects based on materials from Nikolay Nikolaevich Dikov's expeditions, which began back in 1956. According to archaeologist Elena Rogozina, the archaeologists obtained up-to-date information on the current state of the archaeological monuments, their boundaries and research prospects. Modern documentation was also produced—the standards for archaeological work have changed significantly over the past half century. According to scientists, the ancestral heritage has experienced minimal human impact and still holds scientific value.
Chukotka's archaeological monuments are not only of interest to scientists but are also local attractions. For example, in the Beringia National Park there is Whale Alley—a unique monument dating back to the 14th century. Sea hunters built a huge complex of structures made from whale bones and stones, where rituals were held, hunting spoils were distributed and festivals took place. In total, about 30 jaws and 50–60 whale skulls were used in the construction. The jaws were buried half a metre into the ground, yet they still stand about 5 metres high and weigh around 250–300 kg each. In addition to the ritual structures, the creators of Whale Alley built 150 meat pits. Building such a majestic complex required the efforts of many dozens of people, which in that era was equivalent to the scale of a tribal alliance. It may have been 'international'—scientists suggest that Eskimos from the coasts of Chukotka and St. Lawrence Island, now under U.S. jurisdiction, came to Whale Alley.
There is another point of interest in the national park near the Lorino settlement. The ancient Masik Eskimo settlement is remarkably preserved and welcomes visitors from July through September (if they can get there). It was also built from whale bones, but here, unlike Whale Alley, ancient people actually lived. The complex includes dugouts, kayak racks, meat pits and other structures. Ancient Eskimos primarily hunted grey whale calves, making the most of each animal caught. Nearby is a reindeer herders' camp from about the same period.
In 2024, the Beringia National Park was visited by 2,500 people, 300 of whom came from other regions of Russia. Considering that just getting to the protected area is an adventure dependent on weather conditions, wind and waves in the Bering Strait, the number of visitors demonstrates a steady interest in the park. Whale Alley, in turn, is an essential stop on most cruises and expeditions, and often the main 'selling point' of the trip.
Other famous archaeological monuments in Chukotka are still waiting for their moment in the spotlight. The Pegtymel petroglyphs, located at a considerable distance from Pevek, cannot yet boast a large tourist flow. Despite the fact that the city itself is experiencing a rebirth as part of the development of the North Sea Route and the AZRF special economic zone, tourists are not yet ready to venture into the wild tundra. The Pegtymel petroglyphs are a unique complex of rock paintings by ancient Yukaghirs and ancient Eskimos, depicting the process of hunting reindeer and sea animals respectively. To reach them requires organising a proper expedition using all-terrain vehicles or by river.
However, for those not ready for such adventures, there's still an opportunity to get acquainted with Chukotka's cultural heritage. The Chukotka Heritage Museum in Anadyr displays archaeological findings accumulated over more than half a century of comprehensive research in the region. These include tools, weapons, artwork and much more. Ethnographers have also made an effort to collect an impressive collection of original folk items. The main focus of the exhibitions is on the indigenous peoples of the region—Chukchi, Eskimos, Evens, Yukaghirs, Chuvans, Kereks and Koryaks.
Today, Chukotka's tourism industry is developing through close cooperation between business and the state. In 2024, the regional government announced the development of tourist routes taking into account weather peculiarities and transport accessibility—the state subsidy amounted to RUB 30 mn. According to Rosstat data, in 2023, the volume of tourist flow reached 47,999 visits, and in January–March 2024, it amounted to 15,754 visits.
Image attribution: Shutterstock
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