People who study the history of human civilization often are amazed at how much things have changed over the years. It isn’t just the fact that things have changed recently because of technology, people have changed in almost all aspects of their life. The different types of houses that we have, the way that we raise our families, whether we live in a city or out in the country and even the different types of foods that we eat are all things that are interesting in this regard.
Something that has made it difficult for cultures to remain intact is globalization. Perhaps that is why the Dukha people of Mongolia are so interesting. They are a nomadic tribe that has been around for hundreds of years. As a result of living in the wild, they have a special relationship with the wild animals around them.
Most of us would not be privileged to see this in action but thankfully, Hamid Sardar-Afkhami recently paid a visit to the lost tribe. He is a professional photographer and very talented, so he shows that the Dukha people have developed this relationship with the animals and are able to survive in ways that most of us could not even imagine living.
One of the ways in which the Dukha people have developed something unique is in the way that they use the reindeer. This relationship allows them to transport themselves and gear over many miles of treacherous terrain.
Children can ride a reindeer by the time they are a young age.
The reindeer are gentle, even to the small children.
This young girl is getting ready to bathe a baby reindeer.
The Dukha is also known by the term, Tsaatan, which means reindeer herder.
There are only between 200 – 400 people left from this tribe. The reindeer are also diminishing.
The tourist industry plays a big role in how the Dukha are able to survive. People will pay money for crafts, performances and reindeer rides.
They are not only trainers of reindeer, they are trainers of wolves.
Dukha hunt small animals, similar to rabbits. They are paid two dollars each for them.
The Dukha also use golden eagles to help hunt.
Eagle hunting is a privilege and those that do it are a respected part of the tribe.
The Dukha feel spiritually connected to the animals.
It allows them to feel whole in their natural environment and to continue to maintain the culture, despite the fact that the outside world is closing in.
This photography journey to the Dukha tribe is amazing. It is also wonderful to see their connection with the natural world and the fact that they have been able to preserve their way of life.