The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
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Dec 2015 back issue
by Krzysztof Pierzgalski
Boz Salkyn is a shepherds’ hut lying 980m above the water-level of The Yssyk Kul Lake. From spring to autumn
one Kyrgyz family live here, in a quite old yurts. Their existence in the mountains is not easy. They rise before the sun
comes up and even in August they are beset by freezing cold (I experienced it cowering in my sleeping-bag). Daily
life revolves around their livestock – sheep, cows and horses. The men graze the animals and collect firewood. The
oldest woman, who still wishes to be a productive member of the family, is responsible for the production of cream.
The acquisition of milk involves both women and men: they have to pull away the stubborn calves from their mothers,
and then milk the cows. They also milk the mares, which is not a safe activity. Horses give barely a glass of milk
from one milking, so milking is repeated several times a day. It is a worth-while effort though, because the mares’ milk
changes as a result of fermentation into traditional alcohol comon in Central Asia.
Before the first frost, the shepherds take their animals down from the mountains and back to the village and the
lakeside.
The view from Boz Salkyn to the North.
The shepherds use donkeys in the mountainous terrain.
Wood is scarce in the mountains.
One bowl of brushwood is enough to boil tea.
Waiting for a meal.
A calf, unwillingly removed from its mother, for milking.
One of the daily duties of a housewife.
Kyrgyz cows produce particularly creamy milk.
The family’s oldest member waiting for the completion of milking.
The mare has her feet tethered during milking to protect against kicks. Milking mares is a dangerous business.
Production of cream under the open sky.
Boiling water.
Shepherd saddling his donkey.
Care for horses includes the cleaning of hair with dust and mud.
Meals are eaten in the front of th yurts in fine weather.
An old sheep dog rests near the yurts.
