Aleksandr Volkovitski explains the traditional mittens sewn onto Nenets men's garments

"The traditional winter clothing of Nenets men consists of several parts. The outer layer is the malitsa, worn over piva or kisy. This men’s clothing is made from specially prepared reindeer hides. An essential part of clothing in the North, developed for the harsh Arctic climate, is the mitten. In Nenets clothing — for both men and women — the mittens are sewn directly onto the sleeves so that we can always slip our hands into them when needed.

The mittens are made from the hides of reindeer feet, called pena, in order to make them as durable as possible. Nevertheless, the mittens wear down quickly because people use them heavily while working outdoors in the tundra. They often have to be resewn after becoming worn. To extend the life of the garment, replacement patches like these are sewn directly onto the sleeves.

In traditional Nenets clothing, the outer side of the mittens is made from fur, while the inner side is made of tanned leather — almost like suede — which can become cold to the touch. To prevent this, a kind of lining made from dried moss is often placed inside. These mittens are usually not worn in settlements, but they are often made as souvenirs for tourists. In those cases, they are lined inside with fur from various animals."

Recorded by Aleksandr Volkovitski, 2024.