Monday, July 30, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.
at the Gualala Arts Center
A delegation from Republic Sakha (Yakutia), Russia, will participate in the Historic Bicentennial weekend at Fort Ross on Saturday and Sunday, July 28 - 29, 2012. On July 28, a ritual Yakutian totem "serge" will be established at Timber Cove Inn, with another ritual at Gualala Arts Center on Monday, July 30 at 11 a.m. A free ritual ceremony will follow up both events with traditional Yakutian dances, blessing rituals and shamanic spell.
Marina is holding baby with her husband Vasily next to her,
Michail Ershov is last person on the right.
To his left is Leonid Savvin, shaman, who will also be at event as well.
In the 19th century a Russian-American company established Fort Ross on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The company hired contractors to work there, among whom were a few people from the Northern part of Russia, Yakutia. In the history of the Russian colonization process of Northern territories, native people played a huge role supporting Russian Cossacks with provision, horses and hospitality, and proved themselves as very good cattlemen, hunters and fishermen.
Some married Native Indians and raised families, and the famous Russian missionary, Veniaminov, worked at Fort Ross during that time and converted many to Christianity.
Ancient nomadic tribes such as the Yakutians use "serge" as a pole to tie their horses. But it has deeper meanings as a symbol of life, people's spirit, connection between generations, and a sacred symbol as a world tree or tree of life.
The idea of establishing Yakutian totems at Fort Ross came to Michail Erchov, Director of non-governmental organization "Elleyada" one year ago when he visited Fort Ross and was inspired by the rich history. With permission and help of Fort Ross administration, this idea will come true.
Yakut Totem Ceremony
July, 2012
Sakha Ser-ge at Fort Ross (c) 2012 Tim Solovyev
Photos courtesy of Bob Rutemoeller
The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email
info@gualalaarts.org.
Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.
