Anatol Donkan talks about the Yarga spirits

"This is a pair of figures that represent the spirits (seveny) of Amur leopards. They are called Yarga, and some see them as Grandfather and Grandmother. There are leopards by the Amur River – they are very clever and strong. Sometimes, their paths cross with those of the tiger. People say: ‘The Yarga (leopard) spirits are closer to us, while the tiger keeps his distance. We can always see Yarga.’ They also say: ‘If we want to feed the tiger, we first give something to Yarga. He will eat from it and leave a little for the tiger.’

So they feed Yarga first, so that he protects them. He must be respected, fed, and stroked, and they offer him tobacco. You have to be friends with him and must not anger him by speaking badly about him. When you pass by such a figure, you should stroke it and say: ‘Hello, so here you are.’" (Video in preparation)

Recorded by Erich Kasten. Viechtach, 2024.