Russia – Nenets; Beyond the Arctic Circle

"Yamal" means "the very end of the world" in the Nenets language, aptly describing the Yamal Peninsula. Each April, the Nenets embark on a 700-kilometer migration north, returning in November for the annual reindeer slaughter. They herd thousands of reindeer across the tundra, gathering them into makeshift enclosures. From these, they select around 200 strong reindeer to pull sledges loaded with provisions and belongings. The semi-wild reindeer are penned mainly in autumn for sale to meat factories.

The Nenets maintain a traditional lifestyle without running water or toilets, adhering to deeply entrenched customs. They wash themselves and their clothes once or twice a year during migration. Summer involves relentless work, while winter provides time for rest. The word "Yamal" perfectly captures the remote and enduring way of life of the Nenets in northern Siberia.