Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents the first comprehensive anthropological account of premodern Tibetan pastoral economy and social organization in the Kham region of eastern Tibet. It offers a uniquely fine-grained descriptive portrait of traditional Tibetan rural life among nomads in the kingdom of Dege. Based upon extensive ethnographic interviews, this study yields a nuanced analysis of the most crucial and controversial relationship in premodern Tibetan societies, namely, that ensuing between local lords and their dependents. It convincingly readdresses anthropological debates and political claims about feudalism or serfdom in Tibetan societies from a perspective that is more sensitive to local historical, social, and economic contexts.
Trade Review"In summary, this book provides a fascinating glimpse of social and economic life in a pastoral society during the early part of the twentieth century. Rinzin Thargyal deserves credit for producing this rich, insightful, clearly written monograph. This book is an admirable accomplishment considering the painstaking task of describing a past way of life through the recollections of people who were spatially and temporally removed from their former homeland." Geoff Childs (Washington University in St. Louis), JAS 68 (2009).
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Preface, Editor’s Preface, List of Illustrations TONI HUBER—The Anthropology of Tibet and the First Tibetan Anthropologies RINZIN THARGYAL—Nomads of Eastern Tibet: Social Organization and Economy of a Pastoral Estate in the Kingdom of Dege Chapter One—Introduction Chapter Two—The Genesis of Zilphukhog Chapter Three—Labour Service Chapter Four—Animal Husbandry Chapter Five—Trade and Peripheral Incomes Chapter Six—Strategic Transhumance Chapter Seven—Household Organization Chapter Eight—Marriage and Kinship Chapter Nine—Birth and Death Chapter Ten—The Political Environment Chapter Eleven—Social Organization Bibliography, Index
