The wild yak, known in Tibetan as “Zhung” (vbrong), is considered the closest wild relative and the ancestor of the domesticated yak. The domestication of yaks from their wild counterparts is a story deeply embedded in Tibetan history and culture.
Historical Domestication
According to ancient Tibetan texts, during the reign of the first Tibetan king, Nyatri Tsenpo (gnyav-knri-btsan-po), hunting wild yaks was a perilous task. The captured wild yaks were incredibly difficult to tame and often proved deadly to those attempting to domesticate them.
To address this challenge, King Nyatri Tsenpo assigned his minister, Daga, the task of finding a solution. Daga sought advice and eventually received a suggestion from an elder. The elder advised targeting the sensitive area of soft flesh between the yak’s nostrils. By piercing this area with a sharp tool and inserting a ring made from juniper branches, the yaks could be controlled with a lead rope attached to the nose ring. This method proved effective, and thus, the domestication of wild yaks began.
Physical Characteristics of Wild Yaks
Wild yaks are formidable creatures with impressive physical attributes:
- Size: Wild yaks can reach up to 3 meters in length and weigh between 500 and 1000 kilograms. Their shoulder height ranges from 160 to 180 centimeters.
- Horns: Both male and female wild yaks have large, robust horns with a diameter of up to 20 centimeters. These horns extend outward and then curve upward in an arc.
- Fur: Wild yaks have black fur with the tips of their hair around the forehead and hooves often appearing light yellow or white. They have long, thick hair that drapes to the ground, providing insulation against the cold.
- Diet: They primarily feed on needle grasses and sedges.
- Behavior: Wild yaks are social animals, forming herds that can range from 30 to over 300 individuals. They are adept at climbing mountains, crossing rivers, and navigating snowy and icy terrain.
Utilization of Wild Yak Resources
Wild yaks provide a wealth of resources:
- Meat: Known for its tenderness and rich nutritional value.
- Hide: Used for leather production.
- Wool: Used for making blankets and high-quality textiles.
- Tail: Particularly white yak tails are highly valued for making crafts and are also exported.
- Medicinal Uses: Various parts of the wild yak are used in traditional Tibetan medicine.
Medicinal Benefits of Wild Yak Parts
Tibetan medicine utilizes various parts of the wild yak for treating numerous ailments:
- Horns: Treat abdominal tumors and indigestion. Bull horns specifically address abscesses and stomach diseases.
- Bone Broth: Treats weakness and coldness in the body.
- Bone Marrow: Used for treating bone marrow depletion, subcutaneous abscesses, and boils.
- Trachea: Treats thyroid enlargement.
- Kidneys: Address lower back pain, cold diseases, bladder issues, and urethral diseases.
- Testes: Treats kidney deficiency, lower back pain, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, and impotence.
- Heart: Addresses palpitations, insomnia, angina, and nervous exhaustion.
- Bile: Used for treating gallbladder diseases, internal bleeding, and insufficient body heat.
- Blood: Treats chronic gastroenteritis, insufficient body heat, persistent diarrhea, and alcoholism.
- Meat: Used for treating stomach diseases, cold liver diseases, kidney and lower back pain, and conditions like jaundice.
Conclusion
The wild yak, as the progenitor of the domesticated yak, holds a revered place in Tibetan history and culture. Its domestication was a significant milestone, transforming it into a cornerstone of Tibetan pastoral life. The physical prowess, adaptability, and resourcefulness of wild yaks underscore their importance, not only in daily sustenance but also in traditional medicine. This rich legacy continues to highlight the deep connection between the Tibetan people and these magnificent animals.
The Role of Yaks in Tibetan Nomadic Life
Yaks, often referred to as “Nor” meaning “wealth” or “treasure” by Tibetan nomads, play an essential role in their daily lives. From providing materials for clothing to serving as a reliable means of transportation, yaks are integral to sustaining the nomadic lifestyle on the Tibetan plateau.
Housing: Yak Hair Tents
Around 200 BCE, the people in the Yarlung River Valley began settling into a pastoral lifestyle, moving with their herds to areas with ample water and grass. This lifestyle led to the development of handicrafts like felt-making and weaving. Early forms of tent-like structures emerged during this period, becoming the most traditional and prevalent housing form among nomadic herders.
Nomadic herders do not have permanent homes, relying instead on yak hair tents for shelter. These tents are simple to construct, easy to dismantle, and highly portable. Various tent styles include inverted bucket shapes, horseback shapes, flat tops, and pointed tops. In their migratory life, a Tibetan nomad’s “home” is carried on the back of a yak.
To set up a tent, herders simply spread it out, tie the yak hair ropes at its four corners to stakes driven into the ground, and use a beam supported by two pillars to raise the structure. Despite its simplicity, the yak hair tent provides adequate protection from wind and rain, serving as an ideal dwelling even in the harsh winter months.
Transportation: The Versatile Yak
Yaks are the primary means of transportation for Tibetan nomads, used for carrying goods and providing rides. When moving camps, yaks transport all household belongings. In farming regions, yaks are used for plowing, carrying grain, transporting manure, and hauling building materials, salt, and food. They can climb snow-capped mountains over 4,000 meters high, endure temperatures as low as -30°C, carry loads over 50 kilograms, and traverse steep slopes and marshes without tiring for days. Yaks are aptly named the “boats of the plateau” for their indispensable role in transportation.
Unique Yak-Hide Boats
Yak-hide boats are a unique mode of transportation in Tibet. Historical texts like the “Old Book of Tang” describe the use of cowhide boats as early as the 7th century. These boats are essential for crossing Tibet’s fast-flowing rivers, which lack bridges or suspension cables in many places.
The construction of yak-hide boats involves creating a rectangular wooden frame approximately 2.5 meters long and 1-2 meters wide, which is then covered with several yak hides tanned with butter. These boats can carry 300-500 kilograms and are rowed with wooden oars. Smaller boats can carry three to five people, while larger ones can accommodate up to ten. The hides soften in water, making the boats resilient against river rocks. The lightweight boats can navigate shallow and deep waters, and once at the riverbank, the boatman can carry the boat on his shoulders, moving with ease.
Conclusion
In the high-altitude regions of Tibet, yaks are more than just livestock; they are an essential part of the nomadic way of life. From providing the materials needed for warm clothing and durable tents to being a reliable means of transportation, yaks are integral to the survival and culture of Tibetan nomads. This close relationship between the people and their yaks underscores the significance of these remarkable animals in the daily lives of the Tibetan nomadic communities.
