Article 3 The Unfenced Life, Under the Celestial Mountains -

Examining Native American Cultures and Their Ceremonies

LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/featured_articles/991006wednesday.html

Location: Kensu Yak Farm, Kyrgyzstan. Located in the former soviet union. 2 miles above sea level, and 2 miles away from the nearest village.The country's geography is very mountainous. The village of Kensu is very isolated and undeveloped, the members of this village are basically nomadic farmers living off the land, and raising/herding Yaks.

Quote: "Sure, my sons and their sons will want to go to town a little more often than I do," he said. "They'll like hitting the saloons and listening to music. But this will always be Kyrgyzstan. That means that people will always live in the mountains, always have horses, and always take care of animals. It's who we are. It's what we do."

Anecdote: Even though the country is in deep poverty, the people of Kyrgyzstan still rely on a tridional way of life that dates far back. Despite modern advancements, the country of Kyrgyzstan chooses to hold on to traditional beliefs and values. They remain mountain shepherds, horsemen, and nomads that live in collapsible Yurts.

Key Vocabulary:

Kesh Kumay- Kiss the girl

Jigit- Master of horsemanship

Kyrgyzstan- Land of 40 girls

Story Line:

• A man named Osmonakunov enjoys the simpler more traditional life.
• Lives far from civilization, says that his sons would enjoying going into town more.
• Kyrgyzstan is poor, and behind other modern countrys.
• Horses are a vital part of life.
• Races and games based on horses.
• Even more modern people of Kyrgyzstan cling to old traditions.
• Has a strong sense of national identity that goes back many centuries.

Story Line: Despite the fact that Kyrgyzstan is now a free nation, it still holds true to its strong cultural roots. Because of its naturally un-welcoming geographic features it has become a cultural safe haven in the face of westernization. Many of its people are nomadic farmers that tend Yaks two miles above sea level, as other struggle for a living after the fall of the Soviet Union and its need for uranium. Its people are content with there culture and don’t feel a need to westernize.

Beyond the article: This reminds me of the movie Borat. It reminds me of it because of the simpler people in the movie and the people in the article. Also both countrys are located in the same place.

More information on the country's Geography Government and History is available at http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107698.html

Try your hand at Russian at: http://www.ktr.kg/tv/ru/

Information gathered by: David Veet, John Bain, and Timothy Deyo