Depiction of female infanticide in Svan folklore

Abstract

19th century Russian periodical literature depicts the practice of gender-selective neonaticide in Svaneti. The most common way of female infanticide was depositing burning hot ashes in the newborn’s mouth. The practice carried a symbolic meaning emphasizing mouth as the first organ in digestive process. The practice led to the decline in female population in Svaneti and caused the male population to seek alternative ways, legal or not, getting married. The Paper focuses on three Svan folklore texts that are based on the practice of female neonaticide.