Tsaatan (The Last Reindeer People) – A Historic Tribe

The Tsaatan tribe is a nomadic minority group that travels around East Taiga according to which pasture would be best for the reindeer to graze.

In a series of enrapturing images taken in the winter forest of Northern Mongolia, Jatenipat Ketpradit travels to East Taiga, a region of Khovsgol province to witness the last remaining groups of an ethnic minority called the Tsaatan tribe. The word 'Tsaatan’ means 'those who have reindeer' in the Mongolian language.

This nomadic tribe seasonally migrates within the forests to fare better during the harsh seasons of winter and summer and to also take better care of their reindeers as they wholly depend on as their main source of income which includes transportation, milk, antlers to make crafting tools. These reindeers are considered family and is a valuable member of the household.

The very determined Thai photographer took photographs of the Tsaatan tribe in all their glory with their reindeer and their faces spells a routine that plays a part in their survival but it is nothing they are unable to defeat. A glimpse of the last remaining tribes in its name is truly remarkable because it shows how much the tribe has survived for so long and the vast difference from the people of today is immaculate.

A sense of respect awakens and admiration, the bond between man and beast evidently runs deep in their veins. These series of images are a category winner in the 2022 New York Photography Awards under the category People Photography – Culture of professionals.