THE PEOPLE OF ASIA

TAMIL

The Tamil are a population of India and Sri Lanka. The most diffused religion among these people is Buddhism. They were navigators, farmers and merchants. The women have a very elevated position in comparison to Hindu women, and the ownership of goods is common to all.

SAMOYEDIC

The Samoyedic people are a population of Siberia that includes numerous ethnicities and which today are to a large extent extinct; their features are very particular: the skull is wide and their stature is very low. They have a clear, brown complexion with some reddish tinges. Their body is very hairy, with a low face, narrow nose, and small eyes. The economy of the Samoyedic people is based on hunting, fishing and the rearing of reindeer. Initially their homes were simple huts built partly below the ground. Later they lived in large tents covered in hides. They invented skis, snow rackets and the sledge. Their winter dress includes two long overlapping jackets, one with fur on the inside and the other with it on the outside. Today the Samoyedic people have become sedentary and dedicate themselves to the rearing of furry animals, reindeers and horses.

SINGHALESE

The Singhalese are an ethnic people that live in Sri Lanka. Their life is based on agriculture, fishing and commerce. Their religion is Buddhism.

TATARS

The Tatars are a population of Asian origin. They were Mongol shepherds and lived in wooden houses in nomadic camps. Their clothes, both for men and for women, consisted in large trousers and a long tunic. The women wore a hemispherical skullcap tied under their chin. They were great workers of skins, metals and leather. The families were patriarchal and the woman had to live in their own corner of the tent. Their skin is brown and they have fair, almost reddish, hair. Their eyes tend towards blue.

TUNGUSIC

The Tungusic people are a population that lives in Siberia and in China. They are of average height, with short legs and arms in comparison to their broad chest. Their heads are large with wide cheekbones. Their skin has a yellowish hue and they have smooth, dark hair. Their traditions have particular characteristics such as the bear cult, or the exposure of corpses on biers. Their sledges on skates pulled by reindeers are characteristic, as are their clothes made of skins and their oval snow skates.


TAJIK

The Tajik are a population of Turkistan that occupies a large part of Afghanistan. They are shepherds and farmers of nomadic origin. The families are patriarchal. Power is in the hands of the elders and the head of the village is elected by the heads of the families. Their villages are made up of huts built with stones and mud. The Tajik live here only in winter, while in summer they use tents.

Guido Bissanti