The life of the world’s last nomad reindeer farming

2023-04-27 01:00:00

The Dukha, or Tsaatan, people have lived for generations for thousands of years in the remote taiga coniferous forests of northern Mongolia, along the border with Russia. During harsh winters, temperatures in this remote area can drop as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius.People also call the Dukha people “reindeer people”, because they live nomadic, hunting and herding reindeer mainly. It can be said to the Dukha people, their whole life is almost “life and death” with this animal.The Dukha live here and there. They move in herds of reindeer from one grassland to another about every 7-10 weeks.With the Dukha ethnic group, the nomadic lifestyle and reindeer husbandry are considered the cultural traditions of their ancestors. Not too many small communities like this exist in modern life. The Dukha are called the last reindeer herders of Mongolia, even of the whole world.In Mongolian folklore, reindeer are considered mythical animals. It is said that gentle reindeer carry the souls of deceased loved ones.The life of the Dukha is closely associated with reindeer. In the photo is the moment a reindeer is licking the salt deposited on the shirt of a nomadic Dukha woman.The Dukha people depend on reindeer in almost all aspects of their survival as well as their cultural and spiritual identity. Little girls and boys can ride reindeer quite proficiently.Reindeer are an important means of transport and an important source of milk for the Dukha people. This ethnic group is very proud of its nomadic tradition, herding reindeer.In addition to reindeer milk, the Dukha’s diet is supplemented mainly with meat and flour products, such as dumplings or local noodles.A local doctor is riding a reindeer to visit the Dukhai nomads. He regularly meets, examines and treats them in a close relationship.Over time, modern development gradually penetrated the life of the Dukha people. Not only in terms of amenities and material things, many people have moved to towns, even big cities and capitals. They don’t want to live in harsh conditions in snowy taiga forests.Tourism is a major source of income for the Dukha today. They make money from guests who love reindeer, love to take pictures. During the journey to Mongolia, travel companies also often suggest visitors to visit this small community, even though the travel conditions are quite remote. However, not everyone agrees with this way of doing tourism.The ancient tradition of the Dukha people is facing many challenges from social development, local policies, tourism activities… The fear of losing identity is real. Many experts and scientists have been speaking out about the danger of extinction of the Dukha traditional culture. They call it a “dying” culture.

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