Portal to Yamal: from Nenets legends to future infrastructure projects
How is the word "Yamal" translated from the Nenets language? What is the famous icebreaker of the same name known for, and where can the swamp vehicle "Sever" travel? Why do a bow and arrows mean far more to the Khanty people than hunting tools? Why are the reindeer and the bear held in special respect on Yamal? Visitors can discover the answers to these questions and much more at the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA, where the stand of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area is presented.
At the centre of the exposition stands the legendary swamp vehicle "Sever". The giant off-road machine delights young visitors, who are eager to climb into the cab and see how everything works inside. Yet the exhibit’s main feature is not its size, but the opportunity to take a virtual journey through the tourist landmarks of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area using special VR headsets.
Particular attention at the stand is devoted to the region’s distinctive and rich cultural heritage. Guides explain to guests why, for the indigenous Khanty people, a bow and arrows are not merely hunting tools. Both children and adults can also learn the name of Yamal’s Ded Moroz and watch a vivid animated film based on the legend "Blue Giants" from the novella "Ilir" by the Nenets writer Anna Nerkagi.
At the interactive display "Carved Legends of Yamal", visitors can examine bone-carved figurines placed inside rotating cubes. Each piece depicts animals of the Russian Arctic or scenes from the everyday life of indigenous peoples. One side of every cube features a legend or traditional tale. Guests learn that the word for "reindeer" in the Nenets language means "the one who gives life", and that, according to tradition, the bear is the guardian of promises and order. People would say: "May the bear punish me if I break my word".
Today, Yamal represents not only careful preservation of ancestral memory and traditions, but also dynamic development. Those ready to connect their future with the Russian Arctic can take part in the interactive quest "Yamal. Career. Future". The results suggest various employment pathways for in-demand specialists currently sought in the region. To visualise how major infrastructure facilities on Yamal will look in the near future, visitors can turn to the multimedia complex. It presents the Arcticorium, a Centre for the History and Study of the Arctic currently under construction, as well as the future international Arctic station "Snezhinka", designed as a testing ground for demonstrating technologies in robotics, telecommunications, medicine, biotechnology and artificial intelligence.
Another interactive installation at the regional stand is dedicated to the legendary icebreaker "Yamal". It features a three-dimensional image of the vessel above an ice floe containing information about the thickness of ice the icebreaker can break through, the ship’s layout, a brief description, its history and interactive elements. Built more than 30 years ago, the icebreaker continues to operate along the Northern Sea Route — a major shipping artery linking Europe and the Far East. Its route stretches for approximately 5,600 kilometres.
The stand of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area and other exhibits from regions across the country can be visited at the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition free of charge with prior registration on the website of the National Centre RUSSIA, russia.ru. The exposition will run until 1 March.
