On the problem of written and inauthentic “Jangar”: the repertoire of jangarchi Juunai

Abstract

This research paper is dedicated to the famous Xinjiang jangarchi Javyn Juunai (1926–2017). He made a great contribution to the development of the art of epictelling. The author discusses the authenticity of the repertoire of the outstanding epicteller. Juunai’s father Zhav, like his grandfather Erhetei, was also jangarchi. Many researchers believe that Javyn Juunai, thanks to his education, may have composed the chapters of the epic «Jangar» himself. The author of the article refutes this opinion of the researchers and believes that Zhunai inherited the epic fund from his father and grandfather, who served as the “court” jangarchis of the Torgout Prince of Khobugsar. On the recommendation of Shalvan Geghyan Javyn Juunai was apprenticed to the famous keeper of the khan’s seal Olzat, where he received an education, knowledge about Oirat oral folk art.