Siberian Yamshchiks in the Structure of Russian Society until the End of the 17th Century

Abstract

The article analyzes a social nature of postal courriers yamshchiks of Ver­khoturie, Turinsk, Demyansky and Samarovsky places during the early stages of Russian colonization of the Siberian region. The author draws heavily on the previously unpublished materials (from the archives and museums of Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Tobolsk) introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The methods of historical research employed in the study are as follows: systematic, comparative, typological, genetic, and anthropological. It is noted that in Siberia yamshchiks became a professional class of carriers earlier than in European Russia. The professio­nal activities of Siberian yamshchiks have been studied, and their important role in the economic, social, and religious life of the region has been shown. The author concludes, the yamshchiks constituted a distinct social group — fairly numerous and generally unprivileged — that was artificially created by the authorities to meet state needs. These coachmen performed specific functions and had an internal organization (secular and church self-government), as well as group self-awareness. In some ways, yamshchiks were similar to other social groups (cossacks, streltsy, townspeop­le, and peasants), which is not surprising given the complex structure of the Muscovite Tsardom. In the 17th century, the process of consolidation among the yam­shchiks was underway, their property and legal status was deteriorating, and the state was increasingly interfering in the lives of the communities.