Civilizational gene of knotting: The craftsmanship of the Uurga on the Mongolian Plateau and the material thinking of nomadic societies

Abstract

This study examines the Uurga, a traditional Mongolian lasso pole used for capturing and managing livestock, exploring its material, social, and symbolic significance in nomadic societies. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork, this research traces how the Uurga has functioned not only as a practical instrument of domestication but also as a mediator of relationships between humans and animals. The study is organized into three parts. The first part clarifies the contexts of use and naming system of the Uurga. The second part provides a detailed account of Uurga-making, including pole-making, rope-making, and the intricate binding and knotting techniques. The third part explores the customs and beliefs associated with the Uurga. The study suggest that the Uurga represents a rich material culture, and as a primary technique for connecting different materials, knotting is its core method and may be foundational to the emergence and development of nomadic civilization. As such, the Uurga exemplifies the material thinking of nomadic societies, offering deep insights into the social, symbolic, and practical dimensions of life on the Mongolian Plateau.