Medieval Christian perspectives on kumiss consumption among the Mongols

VALTROVÁ, Jana. Medieval Christian perspectives on kumiss consumption among the Mongols. In Nourishing Values, Feeding Differences: (Religious) Foodways Compared, 2 - 4 March 2023, Leipzig University, Germany. 2023.

Basic information

• Original name: Medieval Christian perspectives on kumiss consumption among the Mongols
• Name in Czech: Středověké křesťanské náhledy na konzumaci kumysu mezi Mongoly
• Authors: VALTROVÁ, Jana.
• Edition: Nourishing Values, Feeding Differences: (Religious) Foodways Compared, 2 - 4 March 2023, Leipzig University, Germany, 2023.

Other information

• Original language: English
• Type of outcome: Presentations at conferences
• Field of Study: 60304 Religious studies
• Country of publisher: Germany
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• WWW: URL
• Organization unit: Faculty of Arts
• Keywords (in Czech): kumys; Mongolové; ceremoniální pití; františkáni; křesťanství v Mongolské říši
• Keywords in English: kumiss; Mongols; ceremonial drinking; Franciscan; Christianity in the Mongol empire
• Tags: International impact

Abstract

The paper discusses the perspectives of the various Christian denominations on kumis consummation in the Mongol empire. Kumis, a fermented mare’s milk, has been an important nutrient among the nomadic people of the steppe. Besides its nutritional role, kumis formed an essential part of the Mongol culture. Mongol feasts accompanied by drinking were not only social meetings but also occasions when supplies and rewards were distributed. Due to its multiple contexts and meanings, the consumpation of kumis was by some Christians perceived as a part of the Mongol ʻidolatryʼ and as such considered incompatible with Christian identity. The paper deals with the question, of how, did the various Christian groups living and travelling among the Mongols – namely Latin Christian friars, Russian, Armenian as well as ʻNestorianʼ Christians approach kumis and what were the possible consequences of their position.

Links

• MUNI/A/1417/2022, interní kód MU: Name: Víra, vědění a kolektivní jednání: Informační technologie a kolektivní zvládání výzev antropocénu

Investor: Masaryk University, Belief, knowledge, and collective action: Information technologies and the collective handling of the challenges of the Anthropocene