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loadsofplaces · 3 years

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Madagascar

General Information Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It's located in the Indian ocean 400 KM off the coast of Southeastern Africa. It is, however, not exactly a typical East African country as the inhabitants' (the island was settled only about 1.300 years ago) heritage is mostly traced back to South East Asia, likely Indonesia (The official language, Malagasy, belongs to the Austronesian family) and African cultural influences arrived in large parts from Western Africa due to the ties brought by the common French colonial rule (while other East African countries were usually under British or Portuguese rule). Madagascar is generally quite multicultural, as about 10% of 27 million inhabitants have a more recent immigration history, often from China or South Asia

Veneration of the dead Over 40% of Malagasy people still follow the islands' traditional religion, which revolves mainly around ancestor worship. Houses have a Zorofirarazana, a corner of the ancestors. The family tomb, the Fasandrazana (pictured) is of utmost importance, people often spend a lot of money on burials and tombs and to be exiled from the family tomb is considered to be the biggest punishment. Some rituals for example are the Tromba, for which songs in a specific style are played and the ancestors' spirits are said to possess the host, ready to give advice to the living. The Famadiahna, usually held around every 7 -9 years based on ancestors visiting dreams, family astrologists' advice and current abilities of the family to hold it, is a ritual in which a corpse is exhumed, gets their clothes changed, and is then taken to their old village in a procession with music and "dancing with the dead", for then to be returned to the grave after a few days. Travellers commenting negatively about this tradition or calling it "strange" is usually considered very offensive.

King Andrianampoinimerina and his palace King Andrianampoinimerina ruled the island from 1787 to 1810 and is considered a major figure in its history as he reunited Madagascar in 1797 and ruled during a prosperous period. His palace, just outside of the capital Antananarivo is a UNESCO world heritage site and still serves as the setting for ancestral rites on certain holidays.

Unique wildlife 90 % of Madagascar's wildlife is endemic, as in, found nowhere else except for Madagascar. The most famous typically Malagasy animals are of course Lemurs and Fossa (another fun fact - those are the only animals in the movie "Madagascar" that are actually part of Madagascar wildlife). Lemurs originally came from other parts of Africa, but lost the evolutionary race to monkeys there while Madagascar, after breaking away from the continent, stayed their haven. Here, they are also considered sacred by people with myths surrounding them, such as one about a lemur saving a boy falling from a tree. While not unique to Madagascar (But 59 subspecies of it are!), most of the worlds' chameleons can also be found there. Contrary to many places in continental Africa, wildlife in Madagascar is relatively "non-threatening" as the Fossa is already the largest mammal predator and there are no animals with poison strong enough to be lethal for humans. There are, however, a few crocodiles, but they are quite rare.

The importance of directions in architecture When building a house, Malagasy people are traditionally very conscious of where everything is directed to. The front of a house should face West, to best appreciate sun sets. Windows should face North, while the East facade should be closed. When it comes to furniture, there are ideas about letting positive energies circulate somewhat reminiscent of Feng Shui. The North stands for happiness and wealth, so besides windows, the head of a bed should also face there. The South symbolizes production. Besides directions, there are also other superstitions related to housebuilding - for example building should best start on Thursdays, as it's the first day of the week according to the Malagasy calendar and things started on it will last (which is why funerals are not supposed to be held then - to avoid a series "lasting" funerals). ~Anastasia

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/place/Madagascar https://malagasya.com/malagasy-culture/ https://thefactfile.org/madagascar-facts/ https://monkeysandmountains.com/madagascar-facts/ https://theculturetrip.com/africa/madagascar/articles/9-customs-and-traditions-only-locals-from-madagascar-can-understand/ https://afrikanza.com/blogs/culture-history/facts-about-madagascar

#Madagaskar #wildlife #king #palace #Veneration #travel

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skippyv20 · 5 years

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Very Cool! Thank you!😁❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Mysterious Jade relics

For over 100,000 years, people have been obsessed with jade. Its color, luster, and durability make it ideal for tools, talismans, jewelry, and royal artifacts. Ancient Europeans and Asians believed that jade had healing abilities—even offering the possibility of eternal life.

While green is its most common hue, jade can be any color. In 1863, scientists discovered that jade refers to two silicate metamorphic stones: nephrite, ideal for sculpting, and jadeite, which can be stronger than steel. The Maya and the Chinese prized jade over any other material—even gold.

Record-breaking red jade imperial seal

In December 2016, an 18th-century Chinese imperial seal sold at auction for 21 million euros. Dated from the Qianlong period between 1736 and 1795, this symbol of imperial authority is carved from red and beige nephrite. After a bidding war, an unnamed Chinese collector snatched it up. The seal sold for 20 times its estimated value, shattering the previous record of 12.4 million euros paid for a jade stamp in 2011.

The seal once belonged to Emperor Qianlong. Pieces from the period are considered a high point of Chinese art. The jade, described as “almost blood red,” is extremely rare. Nine dragons on the stamp represent masculine energy and power. An inscription reads: “Treasure of the imperial brush of Qianlong.” Known as a talented poet and calligrapher, the emperor used the seal to sign his works. During his reign, the empire doubled in size and the population rose to 400 million.

Scottish jade axes

In 2016, the National Museum of Scotland opened an exhibit featuring ancient jade axes. Dated to 4000 BC, the blades were over 100 years old when they arrived in Scotland. Experts have traced their origin to the Italian Alps. The manufacturing centers were located near the high mountains, and the jade was sourced from an elevation over 1,980 meters (6,500 ft). Archaeologists have located one of these jade quarries in Monte Viso, Italy, which dates back to 5200 BC.

A Greenlaw axehead

Jade axe, Canterbury, Kent, England, Neolithic, about 4,000-2,000 BC

Over 1,600 jade axeheads have been recovered across Europe. Their ritual and spiritual significance remains unknown. Neolithic inhabitants of Northern Italy viewed the Alps as the home of the gods. It is likely they believed that rocks quarried from these sacred sites had the power to heal and protect. The axes may have been designed for rituals or sacrifice. The color may have had special significance, as copies were often made using locally available green stones.

Jade burial suits

In 1968 archeologists discovered jade burial suits in the tomb of Prince Liu Sheng and his bride, Princess Duo Wan. Each head-to-toe outfit is composed of over 2,000 pieces of jade. The prince’s suit was sewn with gold thread. The princess’ suit used silver. These suits were rumored to exist since the fourth century AD. However, none had been confirmed until the tomb was excavated. So far, only 15 have been discovered.

The Han Dynasty royal tombs brought amazing jade shrouds to the world and they changed perceptions of burial practices. A tomb dated to the Spring and Autumn period (771 - 476 BC) consisted of the burial of dukes from the Jun state in Quwo who were covered with jade suits. Later, researchers found one of the most expensive jade suits in history. In 1983, in Dingxian, Hebei, researchers discovered a suit that belonged to Prince Huai, made of 1203 pieces of jade and 2580 grams of golden thread. The most sophisticated suit consisted of 2498 pieces of jade.

Jade shroud for Liu Xiu, King of Zhongshan in the National Museum of China, Beijing

The structure of the jade suits is a unique composition with pieces of stone. The stones had been cut in square and rectangular shapes. Some of the suits also had trapezoid, rhomboid, and triangular shapes, but they were not as common as the first two. The unique technology of joining the stones by wire allowed the creation of larger shapes with groups of jade stones.

Close-up of a jade burial suit with replaced copper wire in the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum.

Experts believe that a master jadesmith took a decade to produce one suit. In AD 223, Emperor Wen of Wei banned the production of jade suits. He feared that they were irresistible to looters. Ancient Chinese believed that jade had extraordinary powers to both prevent decay and protect against malignant spirits. The prince and princess may have attained their goal of immortality. Jade is porous and may still contain their genetic material, which seeped in over two millennia.

Mayan shark-toothed sun god

In the jungles of northern Guatemala, archaeologists uncovered a mysterious jade mask at the Rio Azul Mayan site. The mask represents Kinich Ahau, the Sun god. He is depicted with one large shark tooth, which sheds light on Mayan spirituality, bogeymen, and hunting practice. Shark teeth are common finds at Mayan sites. They were used for everyday functions like weaponry, jewelry, and bloodletting tools.

Coastal Maya were known to hunt sharks. They likely spread knowledge of the “sea monsters” and their teeth far inland. The tales were probably exaggerated as they were passed from trader to trader on their journeys from the coast. Like the Sun god’s mask, sharks in Mayan art are often portrayed with one large tooth. Archaeologists have uncovered Megalodon teeth at Mayan sites. It is possible that these remnants of gigantic prehistoric predators may have fueled the Mayan reverence for sharks.

Enigmatic Emirau island jade

Archaeologists discovered an enigmatic jade tool on Emirau Island off Papua New Guinea. Dated back 3,300 years, it was likely carved by the Lapita people. According to researchers, this ancient population spread from the western Pacific and are the ancestors of modern-day Polynesians. Jade tools are not uncommon in the region. However, this recent discovery is composed of a rare material, which archaeologists believe traveled with the Lapita from their homeland.

The tool is jadeite, the hardest variety of jade. No examples of this tough rock have come from New Guinea. The only known contemporary sources, Japan and Korea, produce stone with a different composition. The closest chemical match came from jade in Baja California. Transoceanic travel is unlikely. An unpublished German manuscript from 1903 chronicling jade in Indonesia—less than 1,000 kilometers (600 mi) from the Emirau discovery—has led some to believe in an Indonesian origin. More tests are needed

Jade funeral discs

Since 5000 BC, large jade discs have been placed on the bodies of deceased Chinese elites. Their function remains a mystery. Also known as bi discs, these nephrite carvings first appeared during the late Neolithic. The stones were frequently placed on the deceased’s chest or stomach. Many contain symbols related to the sky. Nearly all high-status tombs of the Hongshan culture (3800 BC to 2700 BC) and Liangzhu culture (3000 BC to 2000 BC) contain these discs.

Some have suggested that the Jade Discs are related to the mysterious story of the Dropa stones , also disc-shaped stones, which supposedly date back 12,000 years and were said to have been found in a cave in the mountains of Baian Kara-Ula on the border between China and Tibet.

Neolithic Carving on a Bi-Disk

Given the lack of metal tools during the period, the stones were painstaking carved through brazing and polishing. The effort invested in their creation and their location in burials suggests deep spiritual significance. Some suggest that they are connected with specific gods. Others believe that they represent a wheel or the Sun, which symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence. The jade discs predate writing, and their function may never be completely understood.

Underwater offering

In 2012, archaeologists recovered a mysterious jade object from Arroyo Pesquero in Mexico. Dated between 900 BC and 400 BC, the artifact may have been a sacrificial offering. It is carved from mottled brown and white jadeite, which is harder than steel. The 8.7-centimeter (3.4 in) by 2.5-centimeter (1 in) object was recovered 3 meters (10 ft) below the surface of a deep stream. The image is abstract, although most experts believe it is a corncob.

The find dates back to the Olmec occupation of Veracruz. Their ancient city of La Venta, which housed up to 10,000 people and contained a 34-meter (112 ft) pyramid, was located a mere 16 kilometers (10 mi) from Arroyo Pesquero.

Over the last 50 years, thousands of artifacts have been recovered from Arroyo Pesquero, leading experts to believe that it must have been a site for ritual offerings. The location is where freshwater and saltwater meet and likely had deep spiritual significance.

Heirloom seal of the realm

The Heirloom Seal of the Realm is one of the most mysterious Chinese artifacts. According to legend, the jade was carved in 221 BC for Qin Shi Huang. In 221 BC, he united the six Warring States under the Qin dynasty. He ordered an imperial seal to be carved from the most fantastic piece of jade ever discovered. The seal passed from ruler to ruler as a symbol of imperial authority until it vanished around AD 900. The artifact was carved from the He Shi Bi jade, for which a man allegedly lost his legs. Some believe that it was actually stolen from the Zhao state. The seal was an embodiment of the mandate of Heaven, and possession was enough to consider a regime “historically legitimate.”

This story is probably a blend of truth and legend. The fate that befell the He Shi Bi next is slightly more rooted in fact. In 283 BC, the precious jade was stolen from the King of Chu and sold to the State of Zhao. Then, the King of Qin offered Zhao 15 cities for the He Shi Bi.

Initially, the King of Zhao agreed, but later he began to think the King of Qin was deceiving him (which he probably was). Zhao thus had his jeweler say that there was a small flaw in the He Shi Bi. The representative of Qin said that he could not see any flaw. Quickly, the jeweler grabbed the jade and “threatened to break the jade, and the king’s bones, if [King Qin] tried to take the stone by force. [King Qin] was unwilling to allow the He Shi Bi to be destroyed due to his selfishness, and he decreed that it be returned to [Zhao].”

A jade imperial seal from the Qing dynasty.

The Qin dynasty would have its revenge for the humiliation they suffered. In 221 BC, the new King of Qin, Qin Shi Huang, conquered the six Warring States, including Zhao. Victorious, Qin ordered the He Shi Bi to be carved with his symbol - so the most fantastic piece of jade would forever serve as the Qin imperial seal. Legend has it that the jade was inscribed with the words “Having received the mandate from heaven, may the Emperor lead a long and prosperous life”

Empress Ci'anduanyu’s grey jade seal.

Why the seal disappeared remains a mystery. Some theorize that later emperors were obsessed with hoarding seals to reduce the significance of the Heirloom Seal.

Lord Pakal’s funeral mask

In 1952, while excavating the funerary crypt of the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque, archaeologists unearthed the mosaic burial mask of Lord Pakal the Great. Dated to the Mayan Late Classic period around AD 683, the mask is composed of a mosaic of 300 tiles of jadeite, albite, kosmochlor, and veined quartz. The eyes are made of conch shell and obsidian. A wooden backing originally held the pieces together, and the mask was attached to the deceased king’s face with a layer of stucco.

Ruins of Palenque, Mexico.

Archaeologist Arnoldo Gonzalez who headed up the excavation told reporters that the mask “is not a representation of a god. After looking at some images, it’s possible that it is Pakal the Great.” Gonzalez speculated that the king and his consorts had forged close religious connections with water and he told reporters that "During this process, under the (mask) head there were figurines, ceramic pieces, small plates, a lot of fish bones, which gives insight of a possible relationship with aquatics.”

On examination the mask has been identified as likely a representation of Pakal the Great.

Left, Recently found mask

On Christmas Eve 1984, Pakal’s mask was stolen along with other treasures from Mexico City’s Museo Nacional de Anthropologia. A pair of vet school dropouts conducted the heist by entering the museum via air ducts. In 1989, a drug trafficker turned stool pigeon and brought down the art thieves. They had tried to exchange the artifacts for cocaine. Pakal’s mask and the other artifacts were returned in good condition.

Liangzhu’s mysterious cong

The Neolithic Liangzhu culture contained master jade craftsmen who lived along the Yangtze River Delta in modern-day Zhejiang province. Over the years, 50 sites attributed to the Liangzhu have been excavated. Tombs of their elites invariably contain elegantly crafted cong. These are square tubes of jade containing a circular hole. There are single-section varieties and longer ones. Often, the square corners are covered with face-like designs, believed to be protective spirits.

A very rare jade cong, Late Liangzhu culture, circa 3000-2500 BC; 2 ½ in. (6.5 cm.)

Speculation about the cong’s function can be traced to the Qing dynasty. Their ubiquity in elite burials offers tantalizing suggestions. They were likely symbols of power. Jade continued to be buried with the dead until well into the Han dynasty (206 BC to AD 220). Some suggest that the objects provided a road map for the dead on their journey into the next life. Ors propose that there was a belief that jade may have prevented the decomposition of flesh.

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phynxrizng · 7 years

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SPRITES, FAERIES AND PIXIES, PART 2

Faerie Folklore In folklore a faerie is one of a class of supernatural beings, generally conceived as having a tiny human form and possessing magical powers with which they intervene in human affairs. There are over 1000 varieties of faeries throughout legend and lore around the world. Almost every culture has some form of faerie being who interacts with humans. Some cause havoc others protect or help. The earliest depictions of faeries is reportedly found in Etruscan* art around 600 BC, where paintings display small human formed beings with wings. The Etruscans called these beings Lasa. Some have suggested that faeries don't appear in Celtic lands until after the rise of Christianity. But earlier Celtic lore doesn't support this approach and suggests the faeries were first described around 400 BC as the Celts were exposed to the practices of the Etruscans. Others suggest they can first be found during the Stone Age period (9000-8000BC) in Old Europe's Cult of the Dead. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles (800 AD) were writings that described, among other things, charms against 'elf-shot'. The link between faeries and the dead has been a long association. Some suggest fairies were originally the spirits of the deceased. Thus their association with the Cult of the Dead in Old Europe, the tomb paintings of the ancient Mediterranean and in Etruscan art which depicts faeries in the company of a god or goddess. They can also be found in this context as part of the Lare of the Romans. A Lare or Lar in early Roman religions were guardians of an area, place or home. Statues of a Lare figure were often placed upon a table to provide blessings to those who sat around it, or as a place of honor where diners would thank the Lare for the bounty of food. Tuatha de Danann - The Little People and defeating them. The Tuatha de Danann were not friends to the Celtic people however. Rather they are described as precursors in the Book of Invasions. They are defined as the 5th group to settle Ireland, conquering the island from the Fir Bolg. As the Celts moved into Britain around 600-500BC the Tuatha de Danann moved into the hills and forests to live in secret. This presumably linked the faeries to nature and living in the country lands. The Etruscan faeries are associated with vegetation and the secrets of Nature, again aligning faeries with nature. The spiritualists of the west tend to focus on faeries of Europe, but they do exist all over the world. they can be found in Japan, China, India and in many shamanistic cultures of Native American Indians, African tribes and Australian Aborigines. For instance, in Japan the Chin-Chin Kobakama are fairy like in appearance. They are generally elderly but are amazingly spry. They are seen as a house faerie and specifically are interested in floors, either natural wood or rugs. They move into a home, provide their protection and assistance as long as the home is kept clean. They are known to tease sloppy children and chase after sloppy housekeepers. The Faeries Generally faeries are highly connected to nature and take care of the natural world or what some might call the elemental world. They bring the spring and help the nature kingdom wake up from its long winter slumber. They work through the summer to help nature grow and into the fall to direct nature through its transition into winter. And in winter they bring the snows and watch over the natural world while it sleeps. In these legends, the faeries are in charge of the elemental seasons helping the world transition from one section of the Divine circle to the next. Other legends have the faeries watching over the vortex elements of nature. These elements being earth, air, fire and water. They use these elements to support the natural courses of nature as it moves around the Divine circle of change; birth, life, death and spirit. In our modern times, this is excellently depicted in Disney's Tinkerbell movies. Each type of fairy has his or her own talent that assists nature moving through the seasons, which are brought to the human world by the fae themselves. In general faeries live in Faerie Land, a mystical invisible place that can rarely be seen by humans and only at certain times of the day or year. Some legends foretell of humans who have been touched by the faeries and can see their land whenever they want, or only at night. Other stories say Faerie Land can only be seen at night during a full moon, or only during certain holidays during the year when there is much merriment and the faeries drop their guard to keep hidden. The most common of these holidays occurs during 3 Pagan Sabbats (sabbath holidays). The first occurs in May and is known as Bealtaine when the God and maiden Goddess are betrothed. The second occurs on the last sunset of October known as Samhain when the Celtic New Year begins. The final holiday occurs at the end of the year during the 12 Days of Yule when the God is reborn to the world. Other encounters can occur, but are often confused as being something else and not as communications or sightings from the faerie world. Faerie Fire is a perfect example of this. Faerie Fire is a misty, phosphorescent light fluttering or flowing through the night. It can be seen in a graveyard as an etherical shell around a confused spirit. When seen on a road, it is believed to be a light designed to misdirect a nighttime traveler. In Russia it is seen floating around the head of an unbaptized child while it sleeps. Presumably the light is from faeries magik designed to protect the child from evil while it sleeps. Some legends describe faerie signs or signs of faerie existence. Such as faerie circles, faerie mounds, faerie stones and faerie weeds. Faerie mounds are described in Scotland as the actual physical formations in the earth believed to be the homes of the little people. Faerie Stones are stones with a naturally formed hole that has the vibrational frequency to be worn as a healing agent or an amulet of protection. Faerie Weed is a specific type of plant that assists the faeries with psychic manifestations. Even today people talk about the fairy circles in their yard. These are circles of mushrooms that seem to pop-up over night in your yard. They are said to grow from the magik dust left behind by the faeries as they danced and celebrated during the night in our world, before returning to their hidden land. Faerie Ring Most legends of faeries agree that in Faerie Land time and space do not move in the same manner as it does in the human world. A single night in Faerie Land can equal several years in human time. Because of this the entrance way into Faerie Land is highly guarded and can only be found in the base of a tree trunk. Some suggest it has to be a specific kind of tree, such as an old Oak. While others specify other variations of entrances based on that cultures connection to the spirit world. For instance a few legends of the orient suggest the entrance into Faerie Land can only be found in the first bloom of a lotus plant. In order to guard against the faeries playing havoc with the human world, some people would block the 'exits' from Faerie Land with iron. Faeries believe iron to be an abomination and have no magikal influence over it. In order for a human to gain entrance into the Faerie Land, a human would stick a rod of iron into the door so it could not be closed. The faeries wouldn't touch the iron and the door would remain open until the human removed it. The Faerie Traditions There are many Pagan Metaphysical traditions that incorporate faerie legend and lore into their practices and focus. Let’s have a quick definition here so we’re speaking from the same page. Pagan is any religion that does not follow the doctrine set forth by Abraham; what we call Abrahamic tradition. Pagan Metaphysics is a modern name for the Old Religion or what many people know as Witchcraft. Pagan Metaphysics is a global religion, of which Wicca is the most common denomination here in America. Wicca is to the Old Religion, as Baptist is to Christianity. There are many denominations of Pagan Metaphysics, some older than Wicca, some more recently created. There are so many modern variations of faerie traditions that they all cannot be listed here. One of the most well known Wiccan based systems is The Feri Tradition founded by Victor Anderson and Gwydion Pendderwen. Their practices are very secretive and little is known about their specific beliefs and practices. Faeri Wicca places an emphasis on the Fae (gnomes, elves, faeries, sprites, etc.), their lore, and their relation to the natural world. Many associate this tradition with the Tuatha de Danann. Another variation is sometimes called Faerie Wicca, which is associated with the faerie tradition founded by author Kisma Stepanich. Other faerie traditions base their practices on common thoughts and beliefs of the Faerie folk laid out in several cultures and mythologies. These groups take what they like and discarding other elements to incorporate into their own Tradition. Other groups such as the Dryads, base their beliefs and practices on a Celtic tradition that honors a specific set of faeries. In this case the Dryads work with and honor the Tree Spirits. They also go by the name Sidhe Draoi or the English translation Faerie Druids.

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kidsviral-blog · 6 years

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These Ancient Everyday Items Are Actually Pretty Cool.

New Post has been published on https://kidsviral.info/these-ancient-everyday-items-are-actually-pretty-cool/

These Ancient Everyday Items Are Actually Pretty Cool.

Most people put their socks on every morning and go about their day. They never ponder the big questions. Like, when were socks invented? What did ancient socks used to look like? … Would I look good wearing ancient socks?

If you’re one of those rare people who questions the little things in the world around them, then you’re in the right place. Check out this list of ancient everyday items, and get ready to have your mind blown. Spoiler alert, ancient socks were meant to be worn with sandals.

1.) Oldest Pair Of Socks.

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These bad boys date back to 400 AD, and were meant to be worn with sandals.

2.) Super vintage board game anyone?

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An Egyptian board game of “Senet,” dating back to 3100 BCE.

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3.) No North America yet.

4.) Oldest Pants.

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These pants are between 3000 – 3300 years old. They were found in a tomb in western China.

5.) Oldest Known Mask.

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This freaking looking mask is from 7000 BCE.

6.) Oldest Recorded Melody.

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These clay tablets contain the oldest transcribed music in the world. They were found in Syria in 1972.

7.) Oldest Coin.

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This one dates back to 600 BCE.

8.) Oldest Prosthetic Limb.

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Also from Egypt. This object was found on a female mummy. It dates back to 950 BCE.

9.) Ancient Musical Instrument

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Made from a vulture bone, this flute is 35,000 years old.

10.) The World’s Oldest Recipe

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It’s a recipe for beer from ancient Sumeria. Researchers have dated it back to 3000 BCE. The created beer would be very strong and even have chunks of bread floating in it.

11.) World’s Oldest Statue

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Dubbed “The Lion Man,” this statue dates back to 40,000 BCE. It was discovered in southern Germany and is carved from a piece of mammoth tusk.

12.) Oldest Shoe.

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Found in Armenia, it’s about 5,500 years old.

Those ancient socks actually look pretty cozy, though I’m not sure I could pull off the socks and sandals look. Share this post on Facebook and see what your friends think of these ancient things.

Read more: http://viralnova.com/ancienteverydayitems/

#ancient everyday items #ancient history #common everyday items #daily items

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touristguidebuzz · 7 years

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30 Photos From Afghanistan That You Won’t See In The News

Traveling in Afghanistan

Afghanistan

Last summer I traveled into the mountains of Afghanistan for a two week backpacking adventure. Not your typical summer vacation destination. Here’s what I witnessed on my journey.

What comes to mind when you think about Afghanistan? War? Terrorism? Osama Bin Laden? The Mother Of All Bombs?

Sure, much of Afghanistan is still dangerous — but there’s also incredible beauty, hospitality and kindness in the country that doesn’t get reported on.

It’s far too easy to vilify or write-off an entire nation when you don’t have to look those people in the eyes. People with the same hopes and dreams as you — to survive, find happiness, and provide for their families.

I was able to experience the positive side of Afghanistan and its wonderful people, up close and personal, during my trip there last summer. It’s since become my most memorable travel adventure to date.

Here are some of my favorite photos of people & landscapes from my 100 mile trek into Afghanistan’s remote and mountainous Wakhan Corridor.

This is the “other” side of Afghanistan that you don’t see in the news.

The Hindu Kush Mountains

Traveling in the Wakhan

Wakhan Corridor

The Wakhan is a rugged and wild region of Northeast Afghanistan, part of Badakhshan Province. It’s a narrow peice of land, about 400 km long, surrounded on three sides by Tajikistan, China, and Pakistan.

Two large mountain ranges dominate the area, the Pamir in the North, and the Hindu Kush in the South. The Wakhan Corridor was created by politicians in the 1800’s during the “Great Game” in an attempt to leave a buffer zone between British India and the Russian empire.

Riding Yaks in the Wakhan

Hitchhiking By Yak

Taking a break from walking, I managed to hitch a ride on a yak for a portion of the route. We ran into a group of Wakhi men leading their yaks through the mountains. While they stopped for tea, they let us borrow their yaks, which we led further into the valley until their owners caught up with us later.

Yaks are the ultimate eco-friendly 4×4 in Afghanistan, able to climb steep rocky terrain and power through icy cold rivers. There are no trees above 10,000 feet, so locals are forced to trek for 3 days to lower elevations with their animals in order to gather firewood for cooking and warmth.

Ruined Stone Shelter on a Vast Landscape

Trekking in the Wakhan

Ancient Silk Road

The Wakhan was once part of the ancient silk road, an important trading route connecting China to Europe. Along with silk, horses, and other goods, it was a highway for armies and explorers too. Explorers like Marco Polo who is believed to have passed through here during the 13th century.

Crossing steep mountain passes and high desolate plateaus, passing caravans of yaks and donkeys loaded with goods, spending the night in stone shelters with traveling merchants — I felt like I was getting a glimpse of what the silk road must have been like all those years ago.

Muslim Shopkeepers in Afghanistan

My Compatriots in the Wakhan

The Many Faces Of Islam

Just like the many different branches of Christianity, there are many different branches of Islam, all with their own beliefs and values. Many people living in Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor are Ismaili Muslims, who practice a moderate form of Islam. They number 25 million worldwide, and despise the Taliban.

Their spiritual leader is the Aga Khan, a successful British businessman and Imam who runs the Aga Khan Development Network, a super important charity organization that improves living conditions and opportunities for the poor in Africa and Central Asia.

Footbridge Over the Wakhan River

Untamed Blue Rivers

The Wakhan River runs through the Wakhan Corridor, fed by the high altitude mountains of the Hindu Kush on the border with Pakistan. It snakes its way through the mountains, and is a major lifeline for the people living in this harsh and unforgiving landscape.

The bright blue color of this water is due to reddish hues of the rock formations around it, as well as the crystal clear source (a glacier). Water molecules absorb other colors, like red, more efficiently than blue.

Enjoying the Wild Landscape

Snowy Mountains in August

Epic Mountain Views

When the weather was clear, I was rewarded with incredible views of the mountains like this! The trail was well worn, as it’s used daily by small groups of locals who travel in caravans of yaks or donkeys from settlement to settlement.

The 10 day trek ranged in altitude from 10,000 to 16,000 feet, and we averaged about 10 miles per day of hiking. I began to feel the effects of altitude on my body around 12,000 feet with shortness of breath. At 16,000 feet hiking became even more tiring and difficult.

Snow Covered Yurts

Kyrgyz Settlement in the Wakhan

Portable Yurts

The Kyrgyz people of Afghanistan are semi-nomadic, moving from valley to valley herding their animals to different grazing pastures depending on the season. They live in cozy yurts made of sheep felt, which can be broken down and transported long distances.

Each settlement consists of 2-3 families living and working together. Originally from the area around Kyrgyzstan, their ancestors were kind of trapped in the Wakhan after the Soviets took over Central Asia, forcibly settled nomadic tribes, and sealed off the silk road route.

Sheer Chai Milk Tea

Salty Milk Tea

Both the Wakhi and Kyrgyz people drink large amounts of salty milk tea, called Sheer Chai. It’s served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Basically, it’s a mix of yak and goat milk, boiled down for hours and dried into a portable block. It’s prepared by adding boiling water, loose-leaf tea, and rock salt.

The salt is great for rehydration at high & dry altitudes — I called it my Afghan Gatorade. It took a while to get used to (salty hot milk anyone?), but by the end of the adventure my body was craving sheer chai for every meal. You can also dissolve raw butter into the tea at breakfast for extra calories.

Petroglyphs in Afghanistan

Afghan Petroglyphs

Near the end of my 2nd day on the trail, we hiked past a set of ancient petroglyphs scrawled into a dark colored boulder overlooking the valley. My local guide, Yar, couldn’t tell me much about them, other than they think these markings are a few thousand years old.

They depict hunting scenes, men armed with what appear to be bows, as well as large game like ibex and the rare Marco Polo sheep. This was just one of many petroglyphs that dot the landscape in these mountains. They are thought to mark ancient hunting grounds claimed by different tribes.

Central Asia Institute School

Kyrgyz Boys Ready for Class

CAI Schools

This simple 3 room school in the remote Afghan village of Bozai Gumbaz was built by Greg Mortenson and his Central Asia Institute. You may have heard of Greg before, he’s the author of the best selling novel Three Cups Of Tea, about building schools for girls in Pakistan.

The school at Bozai Gumbaz, where I spent the night playing cards with Afghan army soldiers, was prominent in his 2nd book, Stones To Schools. The next morning a group of boys showed up on donkeys for class. I saw many CAI schools along the road from Eshkashim to Sarhad-e Broghil.

Camping in Afghanistan

Camping In Afghanistan

As a big fan of the outdoors, one of the highlights on this trip was the opportunity to wild camp in the mountains of Afghanistan. Most nights we were able to stay at small Wakhi or Kyrgyz settlements in basic guest huts, but we also camped out in tents a few nights too.

Normally I’m a camping hammock kind of guy, but because I knew there weren’t going to be any trees for most of this trek, I packed my super lightweight Nemo Hornet 2P Tent. It snowed a few times during the journey — in August!

Greetings From the Heart

Friendly Shopkeeper in Eshkashim

As-Salāmu ʿAlaykum

I was constantly greeted with As-salāmu ʿalaykum which means “peace be upon you”. A shorter version of this is just salām. Shaking hands is common, and so is placing your hand on your heart, which simply means your greeting comes from the heart.

Another important term I used during my journey is taschakor, meaning thank you. I always recommend trying to learn 10 of the most used words in a local language before traveling there. In the Afghan Wakhan, most people speak some Dari (Farsi) along with local dialects.

Afghan Woman Wearing Blue Burka

Wakhi Girl in Sarhad-e Broghil

Women In Afghanistan

Many people were asking if I saw women in Afghanistan. Yes I saw women during my trip, but most were extremely shy, especially if I had my camera out. Plus in their culture, talking with strange men is taboo. But shooting portraits of men or kids was not a problem.

Near the border town of Sultan Eshkashim, which is primarily Sunni Muslim, many women wear the full-length blue burqa that covers their face. In more rural areas of the Wakhan, it’s less strict. Women wear long colorful dresses with a simple headscarf. I was able to say hello and see their faces.

Kyrgyz Tombs at Bozai Gumbaz

Khajahbigali Family Tomb

Shrines & Tombs

I encountered a few ancient burial tombs during my time exploring the Wakhan Corridor. Near the Afghan military outpost of Bozai Gumbaz, there’s a collection of strangely shaped Kyrgyz beehive tombs, along with evidence of Soviet bombing (craters, bomb fragments) from the 1980’s occupation.

At the settlement of Langar, we found a pile of ibex horns marking the burial place of a powerful big man. In Afghanistan, wealthy & powerful men are often called “big men”. It’s a bit like calling someone “boss.” The more animals, land, and wives you have, the “bigger” & more influential you are.

Driving in Afghanistan

Rough Roads

Before I began the 10 day, 100 mile trek through the mountains, I had to hire a 4×4 van to drive me to the last village at the end of the road. We passed a few military checkpoints along the way, stopping for tea & candy with officials before continuing on.

The drive took 2 days, and the roads were some of the worst I’ve ever seen. Dust seeped into the vehicle, covering us in dirt. We forded rivers, drove along the edge of sheer cliffs, and were frequently stopped by huge herds of goats blocking the road. The van suffered 6 flat tires during the journey.

Cooking Lunch in a Stone Shelter

Wakhi Settlement

Wakhi Settlements

While I entered Afghanistan alone, I decided to hire a local translator/guide and horseman to accompany me on the trek into the mountains. It would have been extremely difficult to communicate with people without their help. We spent the night at a few Wakhi settlements during the hike.

Wakhi homes are basically stone huts with dirt floors, constructed using manure for cement. The roof is made of logs, grass, and more manure to keep it waterproof. Some shelters had stoves inside, others just had a fire pit. Either way it was pretty smoky…

Young Afghan Girl in Sarhad

Wakhi Family Living in the Mountains

Children Of The Wakhan

Life in the Wakhan is rough, especially for kids. About 60% of children here die before the age of five, the highest infant mortality rate in the world. If they do survive, they are put to work helping out with the family business — animal herding.

There are a few schools out here, thanks to the Central Asia Institute, but it’s up to the parents if they go. In some communities, only the boys are sent to school. The morning commute can take a few hours by donkey due to the lack of roads and distance between settlements.

Central Asian Bactrian Camel

Wildlife In Afghanistan

I was really hoping to see a snow leopard or Marco Polo sheep while I was traveling through the mountains of Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor. You know, Walter Mitty style! Unfortunately both of these endangered animals are extremely difficult to spot — but I did find camels!

Luckily the Wildlife Conservation Society has staff in the area, often spending weeks in the field gathering data to protect wildlife in the Wakhan. They estimate there are about 100-200 snow leopards living in these mountains. Wolves and bears also call this wilderness home.

The Country You Thought You Knew…

The Other Afghanistan

So there you go. A peek at the other side of Afghanistan that we never see on the nightly news. After traveling the world extensively for the past 6 years, I’ve noticed this is a common theme.

Don’t let our media, which is primarily focused on negative & sensational topics, be your only window into the dynamics of a foreign country you’ve never been to.

I’m not going to tell you that Afghanistan is safe. It’s not. Our troops who’ve served there can tell you. Afghans themselves are well aware of the dangers that plague their country too.

But I think there’s another side to Afghanistan that deserves some attention. The rugged, scenic mountain landscapes. The friendly, hospitable local people.

I’m hopeful for the day when Afghanistan’s problems fade away, and more travelers can safely enjoy the beauty this incredible country has to offer. ★

Bonus Video! Backpacking Afghanistan

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