Orochi

(self-designation, Nani), a nationality living mainly in Sovetskaia Gavan’ and Komsomol’sk raions, Khabarovsk Krai, RSFSR. Total number, 1,037 (1970, census).

The Orochi are often confused with the Oroki and Orochony. Their language belongs to the Tunguso-Manchurian family. The Orochi are of mixed origin and are descended from both indigenous and outside—principally Tungus—elements. Their culture is closest to that of the Udegeitsy. The Orochi work on kolhozes and engage in both their traditional occupations of hunting and fishing and the new occupations of vegetable gardening and domestic stock raising. In the past, the Orochi hunted sea mammals.