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Mari Sacred Groves (Küsoto) of Mari El
Republic of Mari El, Volga region, Russia
Russia
Active (~360–400+ groves)
Regional cluster
- Location
- Republic of Mari El, Volga region, Russia
- Coordinates
- ~56.6°N 47.9°E (region)
- Size
- ~360–400+ groves across the republic
- Age / Founded
- Ancient Mari pagan tradition; survived Soviet suppression
- Status
- Active (~360–400+ groves)
- Deity & Religion
- Mari Native Faith (paganism); groves chosen by kart priests
- Community & Guardians
- Mari people; ~120 karts (priests)
- Vernacular name
- Küsoto (sacred grove)
- Record type
- Regional cluster
Cultural practices & uses
~20 annual festivals with prayer and animal sacrifice; ceremonial worship
Plant species
Temperate Volga-region forest trees
Biome & fauna
Temperate mixed forest
Threats & protection
Unbroken living tradition under modernization pressure; partial cultural recognition
Source
Aleksandrovich, 'Sacred places (sacred groves) in the paganism of Russia' (catalog #78)