Alyutors

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Alyutors (Russian: Алюторцы; self designation: Алутальу, or Alutal'u) are a subethnic group of Koryaks (now considered an independent ethnos), most of which lives in Koryak Autonomous Okrug of Russia. The name derives from a settlement Olyutorka, where most of the Alyutors used to live. There is no precise data on the number of Alyutors, but it is estimated that there are approximately 2,000 to 3,000 of them living in Russia nowadays. Alyutors speak Alyutor language (also known as Nymylan language), which belongs to the Chukotko-Kamchatkan language family. Today, many Russian experts believe it to be a separate language, though it used to be considered a dialect of the Koryak language.

The Alyutors are mentioned in the very first chronicles about the Russian colonization of Kamchatka. In 1697, the Russian Cossacks imposed taxes on the Alyutors, who would show armed resistance in the next few years. After the suppression of the 1751 uprising, the number of the Alyutors significantly decreased. Also, they were constantly under attack from the Chukchis, who often confiscated their reindeer herds. In the late 18th century, the Alyutors were an isolated and secluded group of people, which helped them to avoid smallpox epidemic almost unharmed. Also, such isolation helped them to preserve their traditional way of life.

The Alyutors have always been engaged in reindeer breeding, fishing, trapping, and hunting. They positioned their settlements along the rivers on elevated spots with good visibility around them. Octagonal earth houses with vertical walls meant for 3 to 5 families have been the only type of housing among the Alyutors up until the 19th century. Many Alyutors became teachers, doctors, geologists, and zoo technicians during the Soviet period.

Presently, the Alyutor traditions, culture, and art are endangered because the worsening ecology of the region decreases reindeer population and reproduction.