TSAATAN
“Embrace discomfort to cherish life.”
The rugged border region of Eastern Sayan Mountain, where the Subarctic terrain commences, is inhabited by the nomadic Tsaatan tribe, also known as Dukha, Dukhans, or Duhalar. They have mastered the art of coexisting with reindeer, forming a symbiotic relationship. Humans tend to the animals, receiving free milk, transportation for their camps, and occasionally fur for winter clothing in return. Sadly, less than 50 families remain today.
Tsaatan People Map, Central Asia
Tsaatan camp, Central Asia
The subarctic region of Tsaatan People, Central Asia
Tsaatan's Reindeers, Central Asia
Tsaatan camp, Central Asia
The Tsaatan man with the reindeers, Central Asia
Tsaatan womn with her reindeer, Central Asia
Redy to milk the reindeers, Central Asia
Preparing for a trip, Tsaatan camp
Tsaatan camp in October, Central Asia
Tsetse shaman, Tsaatan People
Shaman ritual, Tsaatan People
Making a hole for water, October
Tsaatan tea with reindeer milk, Central Asia
The herd, Tsaatan People, Central Asia
Tsetse shaman, Tsaatan People