Liliia Zdor and her team* talk about snow beaters

The tivychgyn is a curved stick used to beat snow out of fur clothing. One end of the snow beater is shaped into a handle, while the other end – the striking part – is flattened. A hole is made near the striking end for attaching a leather strap, so it can be fastened to a belt. The striking surface is used to knock snow off garments. The inner side of the curve is shaved smooth, while the outer side remains untouched. The snow beater shown here has been used; dark grease stains are visible on its surface.

A snow beater is usually made from reindeer antler. The antler’s branches are removed, leaving a curved shaft from which the handle is carved. Larger snow beaters are used to clear the sleeping area and the cover of the yaranga (traditional dwelling). The tivychgyn used for cleaning clothes and shoes makes use of its rough outer surface. Snow tends to accumulate on fur garments and boots and must be thoroughly beaten off. In freezing weather, frost also forms on the clothing, which must be removed by beating. Beaten clothing does not rot, spoil, or take long to dry.

The snow beater is also used to clear the sleeping area and yaranga cover. In winter, bedding is taken outside and beaten vigorously to remove the moisture that collects between the fur fibers and freezes in the cold—caused by the breath of those sleeping. That’s why the sleeping area must be beaten clean every morning. If not done regularly, mold and decay can occur. After a snowstorm, the cover of the yaranga becomes buried in snow. The tivychgyn is used to clear it away. If left unattended, the weight of the snow could collapse the roof. The tivychgyn is also hung at the entrance of the dwelling, as a protective amulet against evil spirits. When women go out into the tundra to gather plants, they lean the snow beater against the yaranga’s cover to guard the home. Evil spirits are said to avoid a jaranga marked in this way. After a person has died, the snow beater is used to draw a symbolic line across the path they took, so that their soul cannot return to the world of the living.

Viktoria Navyl recalls: “Every member of my family has their own small snow beater. In our family, we also have a large one that is used to cut off the path of the deceased. I take it with me whenever I go to a wake.” (Video in progress)

* Liliia Zdor, Galina Etul', Irina Gyrgol'naut, Irina Nutetgivev and Mark Zdor.

Recorded 2024.