CHUVASHES, a tribe found in east Central Russia, in the government of Kazan and throughout the governments of Sim birsk, Samara, Saratov, Orenburg and Perm. Some think they are the descendants of the ancient Bolgars. In general, like the Finns they are round-headed, flat-featured and light-eyed, but have been affected by Tatar elements. They are nominally Christians, but cling to many Shamanistic practices. Their language belongs to the Turkish group, but has been strongly influenced by the Finno-Ugrian idioms spoken round it.