circle conversations | p. davaanyam
P. DAVAANYAM is a herder of the Khujirt Cooperative of Khovd Province in West Mongolia. Khovd province is approximately 1,580 km from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital. Its territory of 76,133 km² is almost cut in half by the mighty Mongol Altai Mountain range where wild sheep, Ibex and Snow Leopard can be encountered.
The mix of snow peak mountains, desert, dozens of fresh and saltwater lakes, 200 fast-moving rivers, valleys, caves, ancient rock paintings and fortresses make Khovd one of the most beautiful Aimags in Mongolia.
Davaanyam sitting outside his ger.
What is most precious to you?
My wife, my children, and grandchildren.
What does beauty mean to you?
The unparalleled beauty of nature
What does land mean to you?
Land is the most precious resource given to us. It is what we have inherited from our ancestors, and what we must pass on to our future generations. The responsibility falls upon us to ensure that it is returned in its rightful condition.
The valley or “living room” of Davaanyam’s family ger, with a solar panels, antenna and jeep outside.
What is the best thing about being a nomad?
Successfully delivering new-born livestock in the spring season after a tough winter is the biggest source of happiness and achievement for a nomad.
What does the colour blue represent for you?
Water.
Inside ger a milk tea is offered in a traditional silver bowl and family heirloom snuff bottles are exchanged with guests.
What do you think is the most important action we should take towards a more sustainable future?
More support for young nomads would be great – that way, our nomadic culture and agriculture could continue to develop its sustainable practices.
Do you have a message to pass on to the people around the world?
Our livestock feeds on the wild herbs and grass directly from our pristine land — just like other wild animals — so its produce is truly amazing and completely organic. I don’t know if people know that.
Do you have a question for our community?
How do herders in other countries take care of the health of their livestock?
The view from inside of Davaanyam’s ger.
The warmth comes back to its birthplace.
We want to complete the conscious cashmere circle - returning the incredible warmth of precious Mongolian cashmere back to the guardians and creators of this pristine fibre
