Nomadic families follow a seasonal routine, moving their herds to new grazing
land based on the time of year, rather than one of aimless wandering.
Historically, each clan had various chosen grazing grounds that were used
exclusively by the same clan year after year. This tradition carries on today
and families return to the same locations at the same time each year, for
example, traveling at the end of each winter from a specific sheltered valley
to a particular area on the high plateau of the Steppes. Daily responsibilities
are divided evenly among family members and no one person’s work is considered
more important than another’s. Traditionally, men take care of the horses and
the herds and make saddles, harnesses, and weapons. In addition, they hunt to
supplement the traditional diet of dairy products. Women’s responsibilities
include cooking, taking care of the children, and making clothing (the
traditional Mongolian costume is the ankle-length silk deel). Women also milk
cows, goats, and mares (the national drink is airag–fermented mare’s milk).
Despite their enterprise, however, Mongolians are not self-sufficient. Since
ancient times, they have traded with surrounding civilizations for grain, rice,
tea, silk, cotton, and, above all, metals for their weapons.
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