These are choom on the frozen marshland of the
Yamal Peninsula in
northwest Siberia, Russia. The choom, home to the nomadic Nenet,
uses reindeer hides wrapped around wooden poles. During periods of
migration chums are moved every other day. A wood stove sits in
the middle of the choom, which generates enough heat to keep
everybody comfortable. Reindeer skin has a remarkable capacity to
absorb and retain heat. The hides are arranged in two layers. The
outer layer faces hair outward with the inner layer facing the
hair inwards.
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