In Mongolia, ancient Dukha culture and identity have been threatened by government policy as well as modernization. Their number has fallen from 200 families to about 40 families.
Fighting for survival —
In Mongolia, ancient Dukha culture and identity have been threatened by government policy as well as modernization. Their number has fallen from 200 families to about 40 families.
Nila Sweeney
The Dukha are known as "reindeer people" because they live with and herd reindeer. They're Mongolia's only reindeer herders.
Last of their kind —
The Dukha are known as "reindeer people" because they live with and herd reindeer. They're Mongolia's only reindeer herders.
GREG BAKER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Dukha, or Tsaatans, are credited with being one of the first groups of people to domesticate animals.
Mongolian pioneers —
The Dukha, or Tsaatans, are credited with being one of the first groups of people to domesticate animals.
courtesy Jerry Haigh
The Mongolian government declared the Dukha hunting ground a protected national park in 2011, restricting the area in which the tribe can hunt.
Government policy —
The Mongolian government declared the Dukha hunting ground a protected national park in 2011, restricting the area in which the tribe can hunt.
GREG BAKER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
The Dukha have little in common with other Mongolians. They live in urts, similar to a tepee, instead of a Mongolian ger. They herd reindeer instead of cows, yaks or goats. They also practice shamanism instead of Buddhism.
World apart —
The Dukha have little in common with other Mongolians. They live in urts, similar to a tepee, instead of a Mongolian ger. They herd reindeer instead of cows, yaks or goats. They also practice shamanism instead of Buddhism.
GREG BAKER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Reindeer are able to swim with ease. "This is because they have hollow winter hairs that act like the ultimate life jacket," says Jerry Haigh, a wildlife veterinarian who snapped this picture.
Swimming reindeers —
Reindeer are able to swim with ease. "This is because they have hollow winter hairs that act like the ultimate life jacket," says Jerry Haigh, a wildlife veterinarian who snapped this picture.
courtesy Jerry Haigh
A single reindeer can travel 30 kilometers or more in a single day.
Beast of burden —
A single reindeer can travel 30 kilometers or more in a single day.
GREG BAKER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Enkhatuya is the head shaman and de facto leader of a small group of Dukha who come to the Lake Khovsgol area to profit from summer tourism. Enkhatuya interacts with curious visitors from all over the world.
Shaman in charge —
Enkhatuya is the head shaman and de facto leader of a small group of Dukha who come to the Lake Khovsgol area to profit from summer tourism. Enkhatuya interacts with curious visitors from all over the world.
Nila Sweeney
The Dukha who travel to Lake Khovsgol have faced criticism that the region is too warm for reindeer. <br />
Tourism: Double-edged sword —
The Dukha who travel to Lake Khovsgol have faced criticism that the region is too warm for reindeer.
Nila Sweeney
Reindeer play an important role in the Dukha's shamanistic tradition. The white reindeer is considered to be sacred.
Sacred animal —
Reindeer play an important role in the Dukha's shamanistic tradition. The white reindeer is considered to be sacred.
GREG BAKER/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Shamans are known to go into trances, induced by the beating of the shaman drum. Shamans frequently drink alcohol before a ritual and pause during the ceremony to smoke tobacco. Those attending the ceremony are asked to bring vodka, milk, tea and tobacco as gifts to the shamans.
Shamanic ritual —
Shamans are known to go into trances, induced by the beating of the shaman drum. Shamans frequently drink alcohol before a ritual and pause during the ceremony to smoke tobacco. Those attending the ceremony are asked to bring vodka, milk, tea and tobacco as gifts to the shamans.
Nila Sweeney
The Dukha practice the shamanic healing ritual at their camp near Lake Khovsgol.
Ancient tradition —
The Dukha practice the shamanic healing ritual at their camp near Lake Khovsgol.
Nila Sweeney