By Ephemera documentary
Angelo Chiacchio
The Mongolian Taiga (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The Tsaatan people are legendary reindeer herders who have lived in the snowy forests of Northern Mongolia for ages.
Theirs is a semi-nomadic lifestyle. They move their tents, called “orts,” three to four times a year to wherever the reindeers can find the best grazing. They’ve done this for thousands of years. But climate change is making it harder for them to care for their herd.
Mongolian reindeer (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
A group of reindeer rests during an unusually mild day for the middle of March. The snow forest provides the herd access to all their favorite herbs.
Portrait of Tsaatan chief (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
But these reindeer are not alone in the wild. Tsaatan herders dedicate their lives to protecting these animals and are never far behind.
A Tsaatan chief riding his reindeer (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Uwurdorj has been raising herds in these mountains since he was a young boy. Today he is looked upon as the chief of the community.
Uwurdorj (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Tsaatan chief herding reindeer (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Herding tasks are shared amongst all members of the community. Dari, the chief’s wife, gathers the reindeer near their current settlement.
Portrait of Tsaatan woman (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
She also cares for their home and prepares the family’s daily meals.
Tsaatan ort (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The community constantly migrates to new locations where they hope to find better grazing. Each time, they fashion new wooden poles from nearby trees to pitch their conical orts.
Tsaatan chief inside his ort (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
An ort’s interior is reminiscent of a Native American teepee. All items have their own place and form a circle around a central fireplace.
Tsaatan soap (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Tsaatan hang their objects high up on the wooden poles to make the best use of limited space.
Tsaatan storage (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The rest of their belongings are stored outside, protected by temporary structures made of stacked wood.
Top view of Tsaatan ort (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Snow levels have been decreasing due to climate change. The reindeer now have more freedom of movement and herding has become much more difficult.
Portriat of young Tsaatan mother (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
The recent creation of protected areas, like Tengis-Shishged National Park, constrains their activities in the area while the reindeer roam farther and farther.
Tsaatan kids wrestling (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
Young families are still dedicated to their community. But many of them decide to travel to nearby towns in the hope of finding work and healthcare.
Tsaatan ort under the moonlight (2018) by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
As darkness comes, light from inside an ort slowly disappears and moonlight marks the end of another chilly day.
Conclusion
Will the Tsaatan people be able to remain in the forest to care for their dispersed herds, or will most of them decide to try a new way of life?
Terra by Angelo ChiacchioEphemera documentary
This story was created with the support of Art Works for Change, a nonprofit organization that creates contemporary art exhibitions and storytelling projects to address critical social and environmental issues.
Written, shot and produced by Angelo Chiacchio
Copy editing: Al Grumet, Rajesh Fotedar
With the support of: Google Arts & Culture, Art Works for Change
Thanks to: Uugantsetseg Ganbaatar, Dulamkhuu Buaa, D. Uwurdorj, N. Dari, N. Sainbayar
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.