A new wind is blowing through the traditional eagle hunting of Kazakh nomads in the Altai. Recently, young women have been taking a keen interest in this ancestral activity, which was previously the exclusive domain of men.

We have already mentioned the incredible story of Aisholpan, a young girl of just 13 years old, the first winner of the eagle hunting competition in Mongolia, a story that earned her a dedicated documentary: The Eagle Huntress. The courage and strength of this young girl is no longer unique today, as eagle hunting festivals are now counting more and more female participants.

Eagle hunting, a tradition passed down from father to son

Eagle hunting is a tradition over 2,000 years old that has been passed down from father to son in Kazakh nomadic families. Eagles have become sacred animals for these nomads, and the taming and training of this bird of prey are seen as a rite of passage into adulthood. Beneath Kazakh yurts, it is not uncommon to find as many eagles as adolescents.

Hunting is a difficult and sometimes dangerous practice due to the formidable prey such as wolves or lynx that may be hunted. Adolescents typically practice under the watchful eye of their elders, who supervise the hunt and pass on their knowledge.

Man and animal become acquainted during these teachings and will eventually develop a strong and intimate bond.

Eagle hunting is becoming feminized

Women in Mongolia hold an important place in society. Families are often proud to present their daughters as strong women, women capable of being equals with men. Thus, to perpetuate the tradition of Kazakh nomads, eagle hunting is also opening up to young women.

It is also worth noting that allowing teenage girls to participate in eagle hunting festivals can bring money to these families, who today are suffering considerably from climate change and consequently growing poorer. Many of them must have in mind the example of Aisholpan, who has become a star in the field and can now study at a private school.

At eagle hunting festivals, women are making their mark

At the Olgii festival, there are nearly 300 hunters from across the country. Some travel more than 30 km on horseback, carrying their 6 kg eagle in their arms.

Since 2014, the festival has been registering more and more teenage girls. The first to win the tournament was of course Aisholpan Nurgaiv, who was 13 years old at the time. In 2017, another young girl, Zamanbol Matai, also 13 years old, claimed victory over dozens of experienced male hunters in the discipline. It would seem that the gentleness of young girls and their perhaps more maternal relationship with their animal is a winning combination.