China: A macabre direction marker in the wastes of the Black Gobi photographed by Sven Hedin (19 February 1865 - 26 November 1952), 1934. Shifting sands, sandstorms, extreme heat, bitter cold, an almost total lack of water and immense distances all contributed to the death of Silk Road pack animals (as well as, sometimes, their masters) during the interminable crossings. It was common practice to use bones or parts of animal skeletons to point the way to other travellers, or to indicate dangers.

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Size: 3631px × 5051px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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