Nomadic conical tent among reindeer herders of Mongolia: documenting skin tanning, birch bark crafting and construction of dwelling

The conical tent (Mng. ortz) is still extensively used as the only shelter in different seasons by the small community of 200 Dukha reindeer herders and hunters living in remote areas of mountainous taiga in Khuvsgul Province in the northern part of Mongolia. Very few communities in Inner Asia and Siberia still use nomadic conical days for their daily livelihood. In this project, we aim to document the nuanced skills and knowledge related to designing and constructing conical tents among the nomadic Tyvan-speaking Dukha people of Mongolia. We will document Dukha technologies, social aspects, and linguistic expressions related to creating their conical tent. We will also describe how various taiga materials are used and processed to equip such dwellings.

The project documents crafting the conical dwelling of the Turkic-speaking Tukha reindeer herders in Mongolia.