TRaditional and contemporary dwellings

Before Russians came to Kamchatka Itelmens lived in small settlements along salmon spawning rivers. These settlements consisted of several semi-subterranean dwellings (usually 4). Each could fit several families.

Krasheninnikov picture of Itelmen semi-dwelling

Nowadays only one traditional semi-subterranean dwelling exists and it was built based on the descriptions of the various explorers. This dwelling is located not far from the settlement of Sosnovka on the territory of “Pimchakh” family community of Vera Koveinik. A specialist of Itelmen language Viktor Rizhkov put a lot of effort into building this dwelling.

 

During the fishing season Itelmens moved to the summer dwellings. Those were located closer to the sea shore. These dwellings are called “Meme'n” (sing. mem) in Itelmen or “Balagan” in Russian. 

Krasheninnimov picture of Itelmen summer camp 18 century

Detailed descriptions are provided by the first explores of Kamchatka Krasheninnikov and Steller. Meme'n are still used by Itelmens during summers to dry fish and in winters to store it and save from animals. 

 contemporary Itelmen mem

Contemporary Itelmens live in the villages made of apartment buildings and small houses.