Food prohibitions and restrictions in the traditional society of the turko-mongols of Inner Asia

Abstract

The study of traditional societies continues to generate significant interest in social phenomena such as “taboos.” Within the framework of prohibitions and restrictions that govern daily life, food taboos emerge as a prominent aspect. Some of these taboos are grounded in rationality, reflecting an understanding of the intimate link between dietary practices and human health, while others appear more arbitrary, serving to ward off negative occurrences in individuals' lives and within society. This research delves into the extensive network of food taboos prevalent in the traditional culture of the Turko-Mongolic peoples of Inner Asia. These taboos governed various facets of people's lives, with their justification rooted in the preservation of physical well-being, particularly among children, the promotion of societal harmony, and the prevention of conflicts. Additionally, these prohibitions and restrictions reveal a concern for individuals' appearances. Many of the prohibitions related to meat consumption exhibit clear discrimination, restricting women and children's access to valuable meat types while relegating them to consuming entrails and other inedible parts of the animal carcass.