The sacred island of Vaygach

Vaigach is an island where landscapes, flora and fauna of the Arctic, interesting historical and cultural heritage are combined.

Rivers flow through rocky canyons as if making their way. They form low, but very picturesque waterfalls.

On Vaigach Island registered more than 200 objects of cultural heritage. According to unofficial data, Vaigach is the record-holder among the islands.

Vaigach is also a unique place. For many centuries, it was the only sacred island for indigenous peoples of the North. They were coming here, through all the difficulties, to worship their gods. They asked for good weather and permission to hunt and fish. Several times a year, shamans and leaders of the tundra settlements, Yamal, and the Urals went to the dangerous trip to the Vaygach Island. They should perform ritual sacrifices here. Each clan chose its area and was turning it to the sacred place.  Even now, archaeologists find animal bones, coins, household items, and other things given to gods around these ancient altars. 

Aborigines could not settle on this island. According to their legends, only gods lived here, and it was forbidden to join them. People could be easily cursed. 

The locals believed in it until the 19th century when missionaries tried to eradicate old religions. In particular, they destroyed most of the wooden and stone idols of the island. Only one idol has been preserved. It is Vesako (the old woman). Earlier, it was located on the south of the island, looking towards the old man (Hodako). He waited for her in the north. Today, the many-sided idol of Vesako is installed on the small island of Zinkovy, on the western coast of Vaigach Island.