Language:
English
Pages:
1 online resource (52 min.).
,
005215
Edition:
Electronic reproduction. Alexandria, VA : Alexander Street Press, 2014. (Ethnographic video online, volume 2). Available via World Wide Web.
Series Statement:
Disappearing world
Series Statement:
Ethnographic video online, volume 2
Keywords:
Kyrgyz Economic conditions.
;
Kyrgyz Social life and customs.
;
Kyrgyz
;
Afghanistan Social life and customs.
;
Kyrgyzstan Social life and customs.
;
North America
;
Documentary films.
Abstract:
The Kirghiz of Afghanistan are a group of some 2,000 pastoralists living on a bleak mountain plateau in a narrow isthmus of land between the borders of the Soviet Union and China. For nine months of the year heavy snows cover the ground, which was formerly used only by the Kirghiz for their summer pastures before the borders were closed, virtually terminating the contact of this group with other Kirghiz communities. Although the film shows dramatically the ten-day journey which lowland traders must make to reach this remote people, as well as scenes of a Kirghiz wedding and the traditional Central Asian sport of 'buzkashi' demonstrating the horse-riding skills of the people there is very little about the pastoral economy and society of the ordinary Kirghiz. The main reason for this is that the film focuses on the remarkable wealth and authority of their leader the Khan by far the wealthiest pastoralist on the plateau. Ninety-five Kirghiz families work for him as shepherds and herders. The film's principal concern is to show the way in which the Khan wields his power (using interviews with him and illustrative scenes) which thus turns The Kirghiz into a study of oppressive paternalism in this remote corner of the world. There is, however, some disagreement over the interpretation of the Khan's role.
Note:
Title from resource description page (viewed Feb. 6, 2014).
,
Recorded in Afghanistan.
,
Previously released as DVD.
,
This edition in English.
URL:
http://www.aspresolver.com/aspresolver.asp?ANTH;2087700
URL:
https://fid-ska.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://www.aspresolver.com/aspresolver.asp?ANTH;2087700
