Eagle Hunter at Festival in Mongolia

At the Annual Eaglehunters Festival all of the Berkutchi from the surrounding areas attend the festival in their finest outfits, best tack and eagle furniture. In this photograph the berkutchi is wearing a striped fur hat made from the leg fur of the red fox. His coat is the traditional black needle cord usually lined with sheep wool. Around his waist is a leather belt decorated with the Kazakh's favourite silver emblems. Supporting his arm in a "Baldark" the Y shaped arm rest, this one is made from Ibex horn and decorated. The saddle is a show saddle and heavily decorated in silver and this theme will continue in the horses bridle. The eagle (Berkut) is wearing a hood (Tomaga) and this is decorated in silver studs. The food pouch (Zhem Kalta or Jimdorba) hanging from the berkutchi's belt is embroidered in a traditional Kazakh pattern. For more information on Mongolian Berkutchi visit www.eaglefalconer.com