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all images © 2004, Lara
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The featured photos depict Buskashi and wrestling competitions during Navruz, one of the most important holidays of the Islamic calendar. Buskashi originated from a time when sheepherders on horseback chased wolves away from their flocks while rescuing stray sheep from imminent danger by picking them up and whisking them away. Over generations it developed into a game of horsemanship, where riders compete to grab a sheep, or calf, carcass and carry it on horseback to a designated ‘goal’ for a prize. The game can be quite dangerous and requires incredible skill and courage. It has gained in world popularity- even Japan has a team! |