TRAVERSE 23
TRAVEL - MONGOLIA
LEIGH WILKINS
RESPECTFUL TRADITIONS
The sight of a now familiar Chinese-made Dayun motorcycle appearing from a nearby stand of trees was a little unusual , the path that led us here ended at our location on the shores of DZuun Nuur , one of the smaller Mongolian lakes . More unusual was the sheep that sat between the two men riding the small machine .
We watched as a comment suggesting the sheep had been lost was passed around . I didn ’ t think so , this was something else , something I felt I needed to witness , to be a part of , to understand .
The men caressed the animal as one would caress a loved one , it was apparent that the deepest respect was being paid to the sheep , it seemed content , not the terrified look our animals display when contained within a cattle truck being taken to their ultimate demise . The sheep slipped away as both men stroked its face and mumbled something as if caught in deep spiritual meditation . Saddened , I took one last look into the eyes of the sheep , a warmth of love and respect filled me , I felt grateful knowing that the men had taken such care of the animal in its last moments , its look seemed to tell me everything would be alright .
Caringly , work began to process and butcher the animal , a family affair that included everyone but the youngest . Each member of this nomadic Mongolian family took their task and what was needed to be done , and even as the animal started to resemble no longer a living creature but something on the shelf of a supermarket it was clear that it was still a thing of great respect , it had given its life to help nourish another . It dawned on me that we , in the West , for the most part know not of where our food is obtained and what such creatures must go through .
TRAVERSE 23