Horse-based, nomadic cultures

Horse-based, nomadic cultures

Mongolians traditionally lead a pastoral, nomadic lifestyle. Because of the climate and short growing season, animal husbandry defines the nomadic lifestyle, with agriculture playing a secondary role. Nomads raise primarily five types of animals?goats, sheep, cattle (including yaks), camels and horses?that provide food, dairy products, transportation, and wool.

Of these animals, the horse holds the preeminent position in Mongolian hearts and legends. As one of the only remaining horse-based cultures left in the world, Mongolians greatly cherish their horses. Outside the capital, Ulaanbaatar, the horse is still the main mode of transportation and children begin riding as young as three year¡¯s old. Nomads are extremely proud of their horse riding skills and horseracing is a favorite past time. Believing the race to be a test of the animal¡¯s, and not the rider¡¯s, ability, young children are often the jockeys. The most prestigious tests of these superb animals are the horseraces at the Naadam Festival, Mongolia¡¯s national games, which takes place each July. Families will travel for days to be able to participate or just attend this grand event.

Nomadic families follow a seasonal routine, moving their herds to new grazing land based on the time of year, rather than one of aimless wandering. Historically, each clan had various chosen grazing grounds that were used exclusively by the same clan year after year. This tradition carries on today and families return to the same locations at the same time each year, for example, traveling at the end of each winter from a specific sheltered valley to a particular area on the high plateau of the Steppes.

Daily responsibilities are divided evenly among family members and no one person¡¯s work is considered more important than another¡¯s. Traditionally, men take care of the horses and the herds and make saddles, harnesses, and weapons. In addition, they hunt to supplement the traditional diet of dairy products. Women¡¯s responsibilities include cooking, taking care of the children, and making clothing (the traditional Mongolian costume is the ankle-length silk del). Women also milk cows, goats, and mares (the national drink is airag?fermented mare¡¯s milk). Despite their enterprise, however, Mongolians are not self-sufficient. Since ancient times, they have traded with surrounding civilizations for grain, rice, tea, silk, cotton, and, above all, metals for their weapons.