Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu

Picturesque photographs of rugged cowboys and horses, and breathtaking landscape present a side of Tibet not often explored. ‘Khampa-Portraits of Easten Tibet’, an exhibition of photos by Jill Gocher opened at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited on February 20.

The photographs are of the Khampa, Tibetan cowboys, who live in the historic Kingdom of Kham at an altitude of 4,000 metres. Fearless horsemen, they are known for their stylish hair with red or black silken braids. Tiger skin, amongst these people, are a sign of fearlessness and on display are wooden chests that have motifs of the tiger skin painted on their sides.

These cowboys of the east have their own summer festivals when they flaunt their horsemanship and bravado. The clarity lends greater detail and feeling to the pictures. The photographer is sensitive to what she captures often keeping alive humour that makes it more interesting such as ‘Marlboro Khampa’.

The Kham people are growing thin due to external influences and pressure on the youngsters to venture out in the world. Gocher shares that she feels it is important to document the culture and have pride in this vibrant culture.

Gocher is at the moment working on a book on Kham and the Khampa, which is to be published in 2005. Fifteen per cent of the sale will go towards supporting Khampa projects. The event coinciding with Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year, also showcased fascinating dances performed during the Teji festival in Lo Manthang by Buddhist monks.

The exhibition continues till March 6.