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A Day in the Life of a Torghut Herding Family in Hobogsair


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Authors

Bulag, Uradyn E. 
Fuerwa, Dorjraa 

Abstract

The video presented here offers a glimpse into the everyday life of a Torghut herding family in Hobogsair. In this portrayal, Purvei and his wife Torgon rise before dawn to commence their daily chores. Torgon's dedication is particularly notable as she begins the day by collecting fuel to prepare tea for the entire family, a task performed in the dim light of early morning, barely captured by the camera. As depicted, Torgon also cares for two calves and a foal orphaned during the harsh spring of 2020, adding more tasks to her daily work. Meanwhile, Purvei and Surenjav, the sheep herder, led their horses home after being left to graze and rest overnight. Each member of the family has their assigned tasks during this period in late August. Purvei tends to the ewes, while Surenjav focuses on fattening the lambs separated from their mothers. This division of labour facilitates the sale of the lambs to visiting merchants. Through this 20-minute video, viewers can glimpse into the traditional mobile pastoral lifestyle and its division of labour, a practice that is increasingly scarce in modern nomadic communities.

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Keywords

Daily Life, Torghuts, Hobogsair, Xinjiang, Summer Pasture

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Publisher

Kalmyk Cultural Heritage Documentation Project, University of Cambridge

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Sponsorship
Sponsored by Arcadia Fund, a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin.