This photo series discovers the Dukha people. For thousands of years this group of nomadic reindeer herders have lived deep in the taiga spanning northeast Mongolia and Siberia. They are also called Tsaatan in Mongolian, which roughly translates to ?those who live with reindeers.? Their entire existence is centered on herding reindeers.
Dukha lives in the taiga- a wild snowy forest of pines, spruces and larches. It is the only habitat favorable to reindeers. Dukha depend on reindeers for most of their basic needs, such as milk to drink and to make cheese, skins for clothing, and antlers for tools. Eating reindeer meat is rare. They rely instead on wild game for meat. They also forage for wild berries and nuts.
Reindeers are also used for transportation. Dukha move between eight and ten times a year to graze reindeers across the taiga. As they move, reindeers play a crucial role in carrying belongings, including components of an ortz. Dukha lives in ortz, resembling the tepees of North American Indians.Families in the camps rely on each other including herding, childcare, foraging and hunting.
Spirituality is also an important part of Dukha culture. Their spiritual belief is defined by shamanic tradition, in which the spirit world dwells in nature and transcend to the human world through an intermediary called a shaman. They also consider springs, peaks and valleys as sacred. They believe that spirits live in these areas.
While the Dukhas are optimistic about the future they also face many challenges. Since the 90s, when the post-Communist government abolished collective farming, reindeer populations have been dwindling. Many Dukha have integrated into mainstream Mongol society. Many young people seek to escape the harsh taiga winter. Government efforts to limit hunting areas have contributed to the decline of reindeer herding, and many Dukha are forced to obtain food elsewhere.
Many are also lured by booming tourism. Some Dukha have sold their herds to be displayed near tourist camps where eager visitors pay to be photographed with the reindeers. Many of these reindeers die towards the end of tourist season due to lack of natural nourishment. Finally, while summer is getting warmer, winter is getting milder. The lack of snow makes it easier for wolves to feed off the reindeers.