TIBET


previous
next

The grunting cow.

yaks in a Tibetan landscape
Bos grunniens, the yak, Tibet.

It's not difficult to understand why Tibetan nomads are so fond of these animals. They're cute. Despite their bulk they have amazingly delicate ankles; despite their loads, an uncomplaining nature; and when they do complain, they grunt in subdued fashion like a herd of basso-pigs on dope! Domesticated relatives of wild cousins which used roam theseTibetan highlands freely, they thrive in one of the harshest environments on the planet.
Most are black, but there are mixtures of brown and the occasional white animal which is especially prized. Their tails used adorne the headgear of Indian Rajahs. The white ones, a symbol of royalty are still used on ceremonial occasions in many parts of Asia, the Dalai Lama's fly-whisk a notable example.
This photo was taken in western Tibet close to Mt. Kailas. With Bos grunniens the grunting cow the perfect foreground in this landscape.

Next month: Turquoise style.
How to fashion your hair, Tibet.

Press the 'Previous' or 'Next' button to see more

To see more of theTibetan landscape check our tours to:

the
Kyirong region.

or
Kailas in western Tibet.

return to the photo page  from which this account originates.

site map   to the top


revision 18 Mar 2001
http://www.greenkiwi.co.nz/footprints/photo/ph9811.htm

spacer