The nomadic tribespeople of the west Eurasian steppe learn to live alongside nature from an early age – taming reindeer and hawks
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Hunting with eagles is a huge part of tribal culture
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
In the rugged, unforgiving terrain of the steppe, animals have never been so vital to survival (or so cute)
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Why isn't horseback falconry an Olympic sport yet?
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Kosgholgonduk Pass is so remote, you can't even Google it (go on, we dare you)
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Shamans travel the steppe providing dance, vibrant colour and spiritual healing
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Mongolian tribespeople attempt to harness the natural resources of the steppe and live in harmony with it
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
That said, they're not averse to razzing it through the snow on a motorbike, either
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Yes, those are wolves. No, this tribesman is not phased
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Saker falcons like this little guy patrol the western reaches of the Mongolia steppe
Hamid Sardar / hamidsardarphoto.com
Sixteen years ago, Iranian photographer Hamid Sardar set out to live with the tribespeople of the Eurasian steppe, Mongolia, and these shots are some of the amazing images he captured in his eight years out on the land.
Presented in a new book, Dark Heavens – Shamans & Hunters of Mongolia, these visceral photographs show the mighty nation's horseback hunters and dancing shamans candidly yet dramatically – demonstrating just how different the world can be.
Dark Heavens – Shamans & Hunters of Mongolia, published by teNeues, is available to buy now for £65, and is also available as a collector's edition.
Visit teneues.com or hamidsardarphoto.com to find out more
