The Koryaks see in the mythological figure of the raven (Kutkynniaku) the creator of the world, about whom and his family there is a rich oral tradition. Although shamans no longer exist among the Koryaks since their persecution during the Soviet era, their former power still lives on in family memories. Through rituals at reconciliation festivals with nature, the Koryaks emphasize their special relationship with the animal world, with which they must live in harmony.

The Koryaks use curved hoes made of horn or iron to dig up the roots of plants. Mice also build up a winter supply of these roots, which can be found using a special search stick. Blueberries or cranberries are collected with special baskets made from sewn birch bark. The pith of the willowherb is removed from the stem with scraping knives.

Woven bags are used to transport collected plants and berries.

Fishing motifs often feature in art. For fishing and sea hunting, the Koryaks living on the coasts (Nymylans) used fur boats on the sea and dugout canoes for transportation on rivers. Capelin fishes are caught on the coast using special equipment and are processed for drying. They are mainly used to feed the dog teams in winter.

Seals and bearded seals provide vitamin-rich food under extreme climatic conditions. Their skins are used as valuable materials for leather straps and clothing. The snow sheep provides important supplementary food to the harvest from fishing and sea hunting. The horn is also sought after as a material for tools and artistic representations. Dog teams are an important means of transportation, especially for winter fur trapping.

Reindeer herding motifs often feature in art. Reindeer sleighs are an important means of transportation during the winter. Snowshoes and skis are adapted to the special conditions of the landscape. Reindeer herders need special equipment because of their mobility. Small objects were used for games for entertainment.

Due to the often-extreme climatic conditions and winter temperatures, outerwear, hats and gloves are made from reindeer skins. Reindeer leg skins, which are particularly warm, and soles made from bearded sealskin or bearskin are used for winter boots. The furs are prepared using special scrapers. Special knives, needles and threads are used for cuts, appliqués and ornaments.

Smaller storage baskets and bags are woven from grasses and parts of other plants or made from animal skins. Snow beaters are used to knock off snow so that it does not soak the clothes when it thaws in the yurt. In the past, carved combs made from walrus tusk were also used. The drum is the most important instrument of the Koryaks.