Caption: Litang, Sichuan, China - Aug 2003. Khampa horsemen picking up silk scarves off the ground as their steed gallop at full speed at the Horse Ra
Caption: Litang, Sichuan, China - Aug 2003. Khampa horsemen picking up silk scarves off the ground as their steed gallop at full speed at the Horse Racing Festival in Litang, the former Tibetan kingdom of Kham. Bending down, riders attempt to pick the scarves up, all of which contain either money of boxes of cigarettes. Held once a year, the festival is one of many that occur simultaneously across Eastern Tibet. They originate in the great clan gatherings, where the nomadic tribes would meet annualy to settle disputes over land, leadership and who had the fastest horse -or in some cases yak. Winning horsemen are elevated to a god-like status, which in a macho society is a large motivational factor for participation. Prize money also helps. Credit: Leisa Contact: Legal Notice: Any use of this picture is subject to a license agreement entered into by the user and AsiaWorks Photography Ltd. All other rights reserved. Any re-use and redistribution of this image is prohibited. For sales enquiries regarding any additional use of this or other pictures from AsiaWorks Photography please contact
Size: 5340px × 3495px
Location: Litang, Sichuan, China
Photo credit: © Leisa Tyler / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: None
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