The Unbroken Thread: Keepers of the Tundra’s Traditions

In the vast expanse of the Yamal tundra, where the wind carries ancient legends, women weave more than just clothing—they stitch together history. Antonina Salinder and Sofia Serotetto are master artisans whose work embodies the soul of the Nenets people. Every seam in their traditional garments tells a story, every pattern holds meaning, and every reindeer hide carries the warmth of generations.

“The Eyes Will Guide You”

Antonina Salinder has worked in cultural preservation for thirty years. At the Nadym Center of National Cultures, she not only performs Nenets songs but also crafts intricate costumes. She recalls her first steps in sewing with a smile: “My mother handed me her sukonnaya yagushka (a traditional coat) and said, ‘Look closely—your eyes will show you the way.’”

Growing up in the tundra as the eighth of nine children in a fisherman’s family, Antonina learned early to respect materials. Cloth was scarce, and mistakes felt costly. 

But that very caution shaped her into the artist she is today—one who sees each garment not just as craft, but as a living canvas.

Patterns as Identity

In Nenets tradition, embroidery is more than decoration—it’s a language. The motifs reveal where a person is from, their family’s history, even their personality. “Complex patterns often mean a complex personality,” Antonina laughs.

While younger artisans experiment with bold designs, elders prefer simplicity. Antonina’s mother, for instance, stitched only straight lines—in the nomadic life, elaborate ornaments were a luxury.

“No Time to Lie Around”

At 84, Sofia Serotetto’s hands remain steady with a needle. Inside her chum (a traditional tent), she sews yagushkas from reindeer hides, piecing together patterns from what the tundra provides. “I sew, then tend to the home, then sew again. If I just lie around, nothing gets made.” In her youth, Sofia balanced herding, maintaining the chum, and clothing her family. Now, she passes her skills to her grandchildren, ensuring they carry their heritage even when far from the tundra.

The Thread That Binds Generations

Antonina and Sofia are more than artisans—they are cultural guardians. Their work warms not just the body but the spirit, a testament to traditions that endure as long as they are remembered. And as long as the sound of thread pulling through reindeer hide echoes across the tundra, the thread between generations will remain unbroken.(JNG)

Photo credits: Ravil Safarbekov