The article contains the analysis of metaphorical models of Mari proverbs in accordance with their semantic dominants. Four groups of proverbs have been analysed: the proverbs without metaphors, with naturmorphic met-aphors, artefactual metaphors and anthropomorphic metaphors. Peasant life is the main source of the proverbs’ formation which reflects customs and traditions, household life of the Mari, peculiar features of the environment.