The Russian Arctic hosts several bone-carving schools whose heritage spans as long as humanity itself. Our ancient ancestors in the Stone Age crafted art from readily available materials like bone, which was a primary resource. Over centuries, Northern peoples have preserved this craft, creating a distinctive Far Northern style. Today, these artisans gain international recognition and compete globally, as evidenced by participants in the upcoming Soul of the North International Exhibition-Competition in Novy Urengoy this August. Attendees will encounter works from artisans across Russian regions like Yamal and Chukotka, and international carvers from Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, China and Kazakhstan will showcase their skills.

Originally, bone carving in the North was purely a folk tradition. The most accessible crafting material was transformed into everyday items such as needles and combs as frequently as it was into amulets, jewellery and even armour. Early artefacts found in Yamal and Chukotka date back to the 2nd-1st centuries BC, utilising materials like reindeer bones and walrus tusks left from carcass processing. Bone carvers portrayed animals and human figures, embellishing everyday items with elaborate carvings. Interestingly, starting in the mid-17th century, the Chukchi enjoyed crafting bone lamellar armour for combat against each other and neighbouring tribes as noted in The Military Affairs of the Chukchi by Alexander Konstantinovich Nefedkin). Initially, there was no distinct 'northern' school of carving, but with the Soviet establishment in the Arctic, specific styles emerged reflecting various indigenous heritages. Urban civilisation and scientific methods introduced a stylistic unity within this singular style.

Among these is the Kholmogorsk bone-carving school located in the Arkhangelsk Region. This institution serves both as an artistic direction and a comprehensive educational facility that offers an official qualification in bone carving. Founded in the 1930s, its museum preserves nearly a century's worth of students' works. The programme lasts 2 years and 10 months and accepts students immediately after ninth grade. Interestingly, the curriculum was designed by Nikolay Dmitrievich Butorin, whose name continues to grace the school. His creations incorporate traditional Russian Northern folk motifs seamlessly blended with elements of Russian history.

In other Arctic regions, bone carving is taught in vocational schools and passed down from master to apprentice through traditional methods. The Yamal Bone Carving School opened in Salekhard in 2022, accepting students aged 11 to 14 years old. The Yamal school is somewhat isolated, evolving under its own unique set of rules, whereas the Yakut school retains a connection to its founding heritage. Founded by settlers in the 17th century who adapted their wood carving skills to mammoth bone. Today, these bone artworks are highly sought after both in Russia and internationally, frequently appearing at auctions. Working with such rare and precious material represents both a significant opportunity and a profound responsibility for each craftsman.

Chukotka's pride is the Uelen Bone Carving School. Established in 1931, it has become a major hub for preserving and reproducing the art of indigenous northern minorities. This followed nearly a decade of uniting local artisans into small workshops where folk crafts began evolving into recognised art forms. Today, Uelen School's masters are globally renowned; their depictions of hunting scenes and everyday life consistently earn accolades at competitions. It's noteworthy that their works reflect both Chukchi and Inuit cultures through shared traditions and experiences. Their long-shared history is evident in their intertwined traditions and collective heritage. Recent efforts have been made to revive the bone-carving traditions of Taymir's peoples. Since 1994, Dolgans, Evenki and Nganasans have been developing their distinctive style, now recognised at Russian and federal competitions in the 21st century.

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