Varieties of Rye and Prevalence of Grain Processing Equipment and Tools

Objective: The distinct mindset of the Mongolian people regarding the blue color is deeply intertwined with the cultural concept of "Blue Food". The grass growing across expansive steppes of Mongolia, shaped by its unique natural and climatic conditions, displays a remarkable blend of yellow and green hues, which the Mongolians call "khukhumdug" (all looks like blue). Since ancient times, Mongolians have been cultivating crops by hand, harvesting and processing them for food using unique tools and transportation equipment. The study intends to observe the trend of this cultural heritage facing extinction in modern times, to compare certain aspects with prior documentation, and to evaluate other elements realistically. For instance, the tools shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are nowadays rare. These traditional tools and vehicles have evolved in modern times and are now being solved by agrotechnical methods. As a result of analyzing the historical distribution of this hand-held agricultural method in 21 provinces of Mongolia, the current state was integrated into the research framework by producing a documentary film. This film is expected to be a vital cultural historiography document within the traditional Mongolian agricultural cultural space. Theoretical Framework: In the second half of the twentieth century, modern agrotechnical methods were poorly developed in Mongolia, and the traditional farming culture was still preserved. We have analyzed and studied some facts related to the above topic of the XX century by comparing characteristics of certain phenomena depending on their geographical locations and seismicity because grain processing equipment is essential for traditional agricultural culture. Method: Concerning research methodology, we have implemented widely recognized scientific methods, symbols, and content. Our approach incorporates various tools, materials, concepts, knowledge, practices, hermeneutics, and semiotics. The characteristics of particular phenomena are investigated through cultural facts, applying techniques such as comparison, analysis, and summarization, with consideration of geographical factors and seismicity. Results and Discussion: This study is a sub-section of the doctoral dissertation on the topic of "Cultivation rituals and symbols of ‘Blue food’ of Mongols” by Khorolsuren. B. This study relies on the geographical annotations provided by earlier researchers, which identify main hubs of agricultural culture development in Mongolia and the distribution of various tools. Field research was carried out to examine the contemporary usage of these tools, as well as the cultural expressions associated with rituals and symbolism. The findings were compiled into a 20-minute documentary film that will be integrated into the research cycle. Research Implications: The origins of "Blue food" can be traced back to the earliest days of human existence, with the cultural practice associated with the "Five species of grain" as a form of "Blue food" dating back to the Bronze and Early Iron Ages in Mongolia. Due to the limited knowledge regarding the origins of Mongolian agricultural practices, we have conducted a study of historical sources to investigate the tools and their distribution, integrating our findings into the scientific circulation. Originality/Value: The research and documentation conducted by previous researchers in 1979 provide significant evidence regarding the introduction of agriculture in Mongolia. These findings clarify the regions of cultivation, the agricultural tools used, and the various types of crops grown. This information is crucial as it challenges the prevailing notion that Mongolians have solely relied on dairy and meat products for sustenance, providing concrete historical evidence of an agricultural heritage that has existed since ancient times.