The Nenets people are a proud, nomadic reindeer herding people from northern Siberia. Though raised in the city, artist Evgeniy Salinder is descended from these people, known for their ability to thrive in a hostile environment. Salinder creates antler and bone figures that pay homage to the Nenets predecessors – the Sirtya – a mysterious race of small, beautiful people with white hair and white eyes, who lived underground and who had supernatural abilities. These people were master blacksmiths and jewelers, who loved to adorn themselves. The Nenets believe these shy people still exist and a sighting is considered a fortunate event. Salinder began carving these figures who engage in various activities from tending their mammoth herds to shamanism and found great pleasure in creating new depictions each time. Many of these figures have ropes with tiny bone circles wrapped around their waists, and may appear with concentric rings etched down their chests, reindeer antlers on their heads or peering back at the viewer through their fingers. These carvings range between 2-5 inches in height and are both curious and delightful.

All works available immediately.

About Sirtya

Evgeniy Salinder Biography