Collection of Ethnographic Materials by K.G. Mannerheim
In the extensive diary of the baron, we encounter numerous admiring reviews of the majestic landscapes of the Tian Shan, Alai, and Himalayas. Whenever possible, he would always set off to hunt mountain goats, antelopes, and birds to supplement his monotonous and meager diet - his notebook contains the names of several recommended English guides for hunting wild animals. Since the official reason for Mannerheim's expedition was ethnographic research (and not military interests), he sent exhibits for the museum to the Finno-Ugric Society and the Antell Collection Council in Helsinki; in addition, he managed to transport hunting trophies for his collection back home.
The report - Mannerheim's diary, which consists of 173 pages, was published in 1909, immediately after the completion of his two-year journey through Asia. The cover of this book states: "Not to be disclosed," which, of course, indicates the secret nature of its content. Only three copies of this series made it into the collection of the Slavic Library of Helsinki University, which was formed from mandatory copies of all books published in Russia.
It should be added that Mannerheim did not have enough time to delve into all the nuances of scientific methodologies that would have been necessary for conducting research in field conditions. Meanwhile, the requests and scientific assignments from the Finno-Ugric Society and the Antell Collection Council were excessive; for example, the council wanted to obtain as complete an ethnographic collection as possible. This likely explains the meticulousness of his notes. Each photo he took was precisely recorded in an appendix to his notebook. In addition to the location, subject, and coordinates of the photographed object, the author did not forget to indicate the nature of the cloud cover, distance, exposure time, and aperture. A total of 1355 shots were taken, 58 of which were unsuccessful. Mannerheim's photo collection also includes military-themed subjects. However, the main goal of the photographer was to depict the life of the peoples among whom he gathered his materials.
While still on the expedition, the baron managed to send a highly diverse collection to Helsinki. It contained ethnographic samples collected among the indigenous peoples of Russian and Chinese Turkestan, among the Kyrgyz of Alai, Kara-Teke, and Muzart.
In the region of Hotan and other places, he received archaeological finds from the locals, which they had obtained from the ruins of old Buddhist temples. He himself occasionally initiated trial archaeological excavations with the help of his staff to divert attention, but to his credit, it should be said that he never engaged in chiseling samples of wall paintings from ancient monuments. Obtaining any items from the few that were stored with the nomads was very difficult, even for large sums of money. Chinese exhibits did not interest Mannerheim's Finnish clients, although the traveler himself planned a massive collection of this material.
Some items he brought back with him and personally handed over to the intendant of the archaeological administration, A.O. Geikel.
Notes by K.G. Mannerheim on the life and customs of the Alai Kyrgyz in the early 20th century
