#nomadic tribe

A beautiful mountain clan Na’vi inspired by the nomadic Tibetan tribe I was reading about the other day. I felt very inspired and here’s a little bit about them

“The nomadic herding tribes that live here are known for the unique traditional style of 108 Braids, a reference to the 108 holy volumes of Tibetan Buddhism.

Once used as a form of communication—to share one’s relationship status or religious affiliation—108 Braids is now also a tribute to the region’s heritage. Once braided, hair is adorned with all manner of earthy ornaments, like pine cones, coral, and turquoise, each woven into the braids to denote a milestone in life.” Vogue

Photographed by Kin Chan Coedel

Extreme north of Mongolia, resides a tribe called the Tsaatan, or the Dukha people. Tsaatan means people of the Reindeer. True to the name, their life revolves around their Reindeers. 

They say that if the Reindeer dies, so will their culture along with them. 

These nomads move around based on the season and are in tight-nit communities. The Reindeers serve the purpose of The families I met during my cultural expedition of the forgotten tribes of Mongolia, were quite skeptical about how much longer their culture will remain, as the younger generations are all moving out to the cities for a better 'settled' life. 

The kids, I envied them, for they had the whole Taiga as their home, their playground, their school and also their work. 

They would wade in the flowing stream by their tents, walk the Reindeers to the mountains, run behind the two dogs that they had, feed the young ones of the Reindeer, and then settle down by sunset in their cozy warm tents. 

Definitely a tough life, to keep moving from place to place, and now with the younger lot moving to the cities, looks like another culture on the brink of dying out. Now that more and more people want to go meet them, I hope that their culture stays and the tourism takes care of their daily needs and resources. A catch-22 situation though. 

Following are some flora and butterflies and critters that I came across in that region. By the way, you should see the last one.. the size of the mosquitoes there I tell you!! 

sure thing

🌾 She looked up from where she was packing, frustration in her eyes. Instead of arguing, however, she continued to stuff her things into her bag. 

🌾 He took one look at the area and scrunched his nose. “No, no, we’re not settling here. It’s- there’s something not right about this place.”

🌾 They lifted their hand up, shielding their eyes from the sun. Some of the bracelets dangling around their wrist slid down their forearm.

🌾 “I spy-” and before they could get the words out completely, someone behind them shouted ‘grass’. They pursed their lips, but the silence was enough of a yes for the rest of them. Their expression soured further at the laughter that followed.  

🌾 “I’m bored,” she complained. “All this traveling and you want me to sit still? Not happening.” As if to put emphasis on her words, she made start tapping her knees with the palms of her knees, a little sneer on her face.

🌾 He shimmied his shoulders to music inside his head, eyes unfocused from the scenery that had yet to change from the endless corn fields passing the group by. 

🌾 She stealthily added yet another rock to her pocket. Every time they took a break from travel, she would snag an interesting rock from the ground and she’d add it to her collection.

@snmpharaohatem

The moon was high as Seto watched his men slip among the sleeping men at the oasis.  Foolishly they left only one sentry who was sadly easy to sneak up on.  Each of his men signaled their findings.  Nine... no ten guards, fine horses but no camels or goods.  What or who were these men protecting.  This party was designed to move fast.  Silent signals told him these men were armed.  Soldiers.  Soldiers were troublesome slaves, best to kill them.  Ah! There was the signal he wanted, Treasure.  Raising his hand Seto signaled his men to slaughter the guards.

Walking among the tents, the only sound was that of blades singing through the air.  Seto cared nothing for the paltry belongings of the soldiers, let his men quarl over those spoils.  He wanted the treasure his men had found.  Silently entering the largest tent, he found Hasan, his second in command standing by a sleeping boy.  The tent was the finest cloth and all around were signs of riches.  Uneaten fruit, furs and fine cloth, golden plates, and a chalice.  This boy even wore gold jewelry.  A pamper prince of Egypt no doubt.  Some noble’s son.

A hard blow to the back of the boy’s head ensured he would stay quiet.  Seto knew should ransom the boy.  But a taste of the hard life the Egyptians left for his people would do the boy some good.  Shackled and stripped down to just his shendyt, the boy was tossed into the wagon along with the rest of the goods.

They traveled all night, the new location of their camp was just being set up as they arrived.  No time to rest, there was much to do.  Leaving Hasan and his new slave to give out the tents and set them up, Seto went to help dig the firepit.  His poor clan was mostly orphans at first but now he had a strong fighting force and slaves.  Soon they would be strong enough to take a territory and be nomads no longer.

As the sun reached its zenith, the camp was ready.  Most had retreated into the tents for afternoon rest.  Resting on his new pillows and linens, Seto rose when Hasan dragged in the slave.  Walking towards the smaller man, Seto assessed his slave.  Small almost feminine but definitely male.  Even in chains, he stood with defiance in his eyes.  His eyes... Seto was struck breathless by the violet depths.  Looming over the smaller man, Seto took ahold of his chin and forced the man to look up at him.  The softest skin, softer than any woman’s.  Letting the silence weigh heavy for the ‘prince’, Seto leaned in closer, his thick hands cupping the soft cheek.  Tracing his thumb over even softer lips, tinged red with wine.  The faint scent of honey and myrrh in his hair.  The small man screamed privilege.  All the thing Seto and his people had to struggle and fight for this man to have.  Holding himself taunt, his anger at his enemy making Seto’s hands vibrated as he caressed down the slender arm.  He could easily hurt the pampered Egyptian.  

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