The documentary “Taiga: The Last Nomads” captures the essence of the last great migration in Mongolia, a journey of over 400 kilometers undertaken by nomadic herders. Led by Elder, who has been making this trip for 40 years, the nomads face challenges ranging from changing weather patterns to the need for constant vigilance over their families and livestock.
As the nomads traverse various districts and villages on their way to spring pastures, they encounter the imminent threat of a storm, marked by rings around the sun. The urgency to find shelter becomes apparent, highlighting the nomadic way of life’s vulnerability in the face of natural elements.
Struggles and Changes in a Shifting World
The nomads express their struggles and changing dynamics within their community. With only about 160 people left in their herding community, most have moved to town, leaving only children in boarding schools and the elderly who can’t relocate. The landscape of the villages has transformed, with people now living behind fences and walls, devoid of livestock. The nomads reflect on the impact of these changes and share a glimpse into their cultural history through old Russian films.
Despite the hardships, the nomads reminisce about the solidarity displayed during World War II when Mongols supported Russians by sending essential supplies. However, with the collapse of Communism in the early ’90s, the nomads faced economic challenges, pushing some to consider abandoning their nomadic lifestyle in pursuit of urban opportunities. The tension between tradition and modernity becomes evident as the nomads grapple with the idea of settling down.
The Clinging Nomadic Spirit
The documentary delves into the nomadic spirit, emphasizing its significance in Mongolian culture. The nomads belong to the clan of swans, following these majestic birds as they migrate. Their summer existence between father and mother mountains mirrors the swans’ return to lay eggs and raise their young in the Darhart Valley’s over 300 lakes.
Amidst the challenges of wolves threatening their herds, the nomads maintain their connection to the land. The nomads express concern about the younger generation losing the ability to survive in a nomadic lifestyle, echoing fears that this traditional way of life might vanish in Mongolia. The tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to a changing world is a central theme, leaving the audience to ponder the future of nomadic life in Mongolia.
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