TRAVERSE Issue 18 - June 2020 | Page 43

is a full immerocal life. I parghtings of the ople who at the heir flocks of feed on the newly uch like the Long last century when used to take to the g advantage of ttle. mi-nomadic around with their f sheep and goats. d. The men dress pherd’s smocks r brilliant red amels carry all ies including their ooden frame with oys are put on top e-down with legs hese charpoys he flocks. Newts too young to adults. Here they travel in comfort, tied to the charpoys or, if they are newborns, in pouches made out of scarves. The animals feed on the stubble left on the fields by different crops. This is a highly organised, seasonal migration that benefits all. This ancient practice blends the mutual interests of sedentary farmers and nomadic pastoralists alike in a cosmic dance dictated by the seasons. By the end of the day the men camp, cook, eat and rest for the night or a few days but only after tending to the animals. We spent a whole day milling about such a camp observing with what care shepherds treat their flocks. They seem to know each of the lambs, taking the stray ones on their backs to be reunited with their mothers. Births can take place at anytime and the men, well versed in animal husbandry, do a magnificent job. Motorcycles are well loved by their owner’s but I had never expected 22