“Holder of strength”. Muskrat in Chukotka culture

Abstract

The study focuses on one of the most important aspects of sacral life native to Siberia, which involves consumption of agaric fly. On the basis of a number of recent studies ceremonial consumption of fly agaric has a very long history. The first mention of such practices can be traced back to Vedic texts, and is also confirmed by modern archaeological materials. Aryan and later Indo-Aryan groups used the drink of Gods, soma, which supposedly had fly agaric as its main ingredient. According to Vedic legends the drink bestowed incredible powers and strength on practitioners. There is a unique archaeological ethnographic complex on the territory of the Chukotka Peninsula in Russia. It includes rock art monument Pegtyimel, rock art at ancient villages, mythopoetic motive that narrates the story of “fly agaric people”, and it is related to the modern practice of consuming mushrooms. Within a limited territory survived a circle of materials confirming theories about acquiring astonishing physical and psychological abilities by means of consuming fly agaric and drinks containing it. Examples of such experiences were mentioned in written materials and field research, confirming ancient legends.