The Races in Comparison with Our World

So, the Gyptians are not actually Egyptians, as is confusing some folks, they're based on Gypsies/Romanies of our countries ... travellers, settle in a place for a bit, then move on.

The Samoyeds, as I can make out are likely based on Eskimos, but that's not pc these days, is it? I believe we're supposed to refer to them as Inuits? (sp?). Well whatever, I think 'Eskimo' sounds way cooler, sounds more exotic.

The one that confuses me is the Tartars. I don't know who they're supposed to be based on, but in the book The Subtle Knife, when Lyra first comes into our world, she recognizes some races from hers, including a group of Tartars, all carrying cases and following a leading one. WTF? Who the hell are they? Anybody have any clues? By all means, respond and put me out of my misery!