Dzudtsova, Larisa S.
Kavkaz Forum. 2023. Issue 15.

Abstract:
The information presented in the article is based on the documents stored in
the Central State Archive of the Republic of North Ossetia-Asia, which have not
previously been systematized or published. The introduction of extensive factual
material into scientific circulation allows us to shed light on the history of the
National Museum of North Ossetia-Asia after the October Revolution and until
the final division of its funds between the North Ossetian and Ingush Autonomous
Regions in 1928. In the first years of the Soviet power, a need arose for legislative
regulation of museum affairs and the formation of a body responsible for the
protection of cultural property. In January 1918, a decree was adopted on the
development of museum affairs, and in 1923, in accordance with the decree of the
All-Russian Central Executive Committee and the SNTs, as a result of audits carried
out in the country, architectural monuments and museum collections of great
historical, cultural and scientific significance were identified. On the territory of
North Ossetia in the 20-s of the XX-th century at one and the same time, two local
history museums were operating, differing in their areas of activity. The former
Terek Regional Museum, opened in 1907, administered by the North Caucasus
Institute of Local History, studied the mountain peoples of the North Caucasus in
general, while the Museum of Material and Spiritual Culture of the Ossetians at
the Ossetian Research Institute of Local History, focused on history, culture and
traditions of the Ossetians and enjoyed the support of local authorities. By decree
of the Regional Executive Committee of the North Ossetian Autonomous Region
in 1926, archaeological finds, treasures, individual objects of art and antiquities
of museum significance were necessarily transferred to the Museum of Material
and Spiritual Culture of Ossetians. Thus, its significance as a state structure that
made a significant contribution to the preservation and study of the historical and
cultural heritage of Ossetia was normatively established.

Keywords: Ossetia, museum, scientific, local history, culture, collection, education.

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