A lasso, known as a “tynzey” in Nenets, is the primary tool used by reindeer herders. It is a long rope made from the hide of a reindeer or a bearded seal. The lasso serves multiple purposes, such as catching wild reindeer, controlling the herd, crossing a river, or securing belongings on a traditional northern sled.

Lasso braiding is an ancient craft. In the past, a lasso was handed down as a family heirloom, but today it is no longer attributed such a sacred value. Modern young reindeer herders often prefer synthetic ropes over leather lassos.

A traditional lasso is braided using four leather strips, each five millimeters wide. The lasso is sanded and given a smooth, rounded shape. Its diameter is similar to that of a pencil. In order for a braided rope to become a tynzey, it should be equipped with a bone plate made from deer horn or mammoth tusk. This bone plate helps tighten the noose more precisely and quickly.

The bone plate has two holes: the first one is used to tie and fix one end of the rope, and the second one is used to pass through the other end of the rope along its entire length. Once the braiding is finished and the bone plate is attached to the rope’s end, the lasso is ready for use. The lasso typically measures around 20–25 meters in length, with the herder determining the appropriate length and thickness based on his physical ability and skill.

The throwing technique involves the herder coiling the tynzey, estimating the distance to the reindeer, and selecting the necessary number of loops in their right hand. Having analyzed the throwing trajectory, at the right moment, the herder releases the rope at the animal.

If the herder releases the rope with his right hand, he also adjusts the loop formed by the strap and bone plate with his left hand. The tightened loop usually ends up on the reindeer’s antlers or neck. Lassoing has always been a highly valued skill among reindeer herders. Boys learn it from an early age.

Any traditional festival of reindeer herders includes a lassoing competition. Some herders can throw the lasso with both their left and right hands, while the most skilled ones challenge each other to catch a reindeer by certain parts of the animal’s body.