| Description |
Nomadic way of life of the Kyrgyz and natural conditions they have lived in had their impact on formation of traditional system of knowledge, social and economic practices of livelihood directed at resect for nature and surrounding world. Traditional knowledge on cattle breeding and pasturing are based on ancient practices and measures on sustainable use of lands, soil, and vegetation for sustenance of the population. They consist of knowledge on movements of livestock, peculiarities of pasturing, soil remediation, re-vegetation, forage conservation and disposal of feeding stuffs, and peculiarities related to veterinary and care of the livestock.
|
| Social and cultural significance |
Livestock farming has always been the basis of nomadic Kyrgyz people’s well-being. Cattle served as the subject of their barter. The petroglyphs often depict horses, camels and bulls. Pasture was one of the main assets of livestock breeders. The material well-being of the people depended on the condition of the pasture.
This was based on the accumulation of ecological knowledge and a complex system of measures that support the sustainability of the pasture. One of the main measures was the seasonal cycle of relocation, that is, pastoral migration that ensures the alternate restoration of the vegetation cover of various areas. The traditional universal concern of people about the integrity of the vegetation cover protected the pasture from erosion processes.
The use of pastures was determined by aksakals - elders, many of whom were hereditary pundits in the art of herding the cattle. They went to the place of future pastoral migration to determine whether the pasture is mature enough and ready to receive the livestock. Only after making sure that the pasture was ready, they blessed the pastoral migration.
|
| Transmission method |
Traditional knowledge of livestock farming and traditional pasturing was passed from the older experienced members of the community to the young people, from generation to generation, in a natural way through demonstration. Knowledge has been enriched and changed in the process of information exchange with neighboring communities, as well as under the influence of technological progress, so traditional knowledge does not become obsolete and is relevant.
In some regions of Kyrgyzstan, summer pastoral schools are organized where young people can get acquainted with traditional methods of pasture use, livestock farming, the secrets of raising pacers and mounts, as well as traditional medical treatment methods for animals.
|
| Community |
Wide community of people |
