Yushu

Tibetan Nomad Childhood

Abstract: 
Karma Donrub's (Kar+ma don 'grub) life begins on the boundless Tibetan grassland in Yushu (Yul shul) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai (Mtsho sgnon) Province. Living in a black yak hair tent, Karma Dondrub begins tending his family's yak calves as soon as he can walk, in a grassland so barren that he is startled upon first seeing a tree at the age of eight. Charlatan livestock-stealing monks, anthrax, death, birth, happiness, and encounters with modern education create a powerful, unparalleled account of Tibetan nomad childhood in the late twentieth century - a way of life that will soon be forever gone.

Tibetan Nomad Childhood

Karma Dondrub. "Tibetan Nomad Childhood." Asian Highlands Perspectives 26: 1-105.

Rgyas bzang Tibetan Tribe Hunting Lore

Abstract: 
The Yul shul (Yushu) Rgyas bzang Tribe historically possessed a rich hunting tradition. Wildlife was hunted for food and other animal products. By, hunting culture had diminished due to improvements in living conditions, wildlife protection laws, greater state control of wildlife product skin market and gun ownership, animal diseases, and the absence of such wildlife as wild yaks in local areas. 

Pilgrims

Pilgrims circumambulate the Gyana Mani stone site in Sengze Village which is near Jyegu Town, Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province.

Photographer: 
Dondrub Dorje

Dhem Woman

A Dhem woman comes to see the horse racing festival in Yushu. Dhem people are from the western part of Tibetan Sichuan. She wears a hairstyle typical of this area. Decorations made from turquoise and copper, or sometimes silver, are worn with a sun hat.

Photographer: 
Dondrub Dorje

Kham Riders

Kham riders compete in the horse racing festival in Yushu.

Photographer: 
Dondrub Dorje

Tibetan Girl

A Tibetan girl in her beautiful Yushu-style dress.

Photographer: 
Dondrub Dorje

New Tent

A new style of Tibetan festival tent appeared at the Kham horse racing festival, Yushu. These tents are made to look like temples or palaces.

Photographer: 
Dondrub Dorje