Nomadic Communities Research Articles

Revelation of an important weakness in polio elimination efforts in Nigeria: a descriptive cross-sectional study of nomadic dynamics in Sokoto and Taraba States, May 2013.

IntroductionOperational gaps in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative implementation had been partly responsible for inadequate population immunity and the continued transmission of wild poliovirus in Nigeria before the African Region was declared polio-free in 2020. Missed opportunities to provide services in nomadic populations due to frequent mobility, lack of inclusion in microplans and the remoteness of their settlements were the major challenges. During May 2013 we conducted immunization outreach to nomadic and other underserved communities in Rabah LGA, Sokoto state, and Ardo Kola LGA, Taraba state, in Nigeria to identify and vaccinate children missed during supplemental immunization activities while identifying missed acute flaccid paralysis cases.MethodsAn enumeration checklist and data collection instruments on Android cell phones were used to capture socio-demographic data and GPS coordinates on nomadic settlements, households, number of children aged <5 years, children previously missed for vaccination and their locations. Local guides led trained enumerators to underserved communities for the enumeration and vaccination. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2007.ResultsA total of 324 settlements were listed for the two states, and 111 (34.3%) of these were identified as missed when compared with micro-planning for the most recent SIA. In these settlements, 3,533 households and 9,385 children aged <5 years were listed. We administered oral poliovirus vaccine to all 1,946 missed children during the recent or any supplemental immunization activities. Of these, 527 (27.1%) had never been vaccinated. We found no missed acute flaccid paralysis cases.ConclusionNomadic populations continue to be underserved, especially for vaccination services. This results in pockets of populations with low herd immunity and increased risk for poliovirus transmission. Community leaders and nomadic settlements should be included in the micro-planning of all supplemental immunization activities to ensure all children receive vaccination services.

Early Medieval Kyrgyz burial from the Upper Irtysh region

In Central Asia in the second half of the 1st millennium A.D., there were development and rapid change of large polyethnic state formations of allied congeneric groups of the Turkic people, Uigurs, Kyrgyz, Kimaks, and Kipchaks. The material goods of most of the tribal unions are unidentified and cannot be associated with the names of specific ethnic groups known from the written sources. Continuance and cultural affinity of the succes-sive nomadic communities are based upon identity of the subsistence systems in similar natural and climatic con-ditions. The Kyrgyz (Khakass) Khaganate, which emerged in the Upper Yenisei region, was one of the Early Me-dieval states. In the second half of the 9th century, the authority of the Kyrgyz khagans spread onto the vast terri-tories of Central Asia. The main culture-forming attribute of the Kyrgyz ethnos is cremation burials. The study of the cremation burials found beyond the ancestral homeland of the Kyrgyz allows tracing the intertribal contacts and directions of military campaigns of the Kyrgyz during the period of their “greatpowerness”. In this paper, mate-rials of the burial mound of Menovnoe VIII, situated in the territory of the Upper Irtysh 2.1 km south-east from the village of Menovnoe, Tavrichesky district, East-Kazakhstan Region, are analysed. Under the mound of the kurgan, there was a fence with an outbuilding. The central grave contained a cremation burial, and the outbuilding — an adolescent burial and a sacrificial pit with a horse carcass split into halves. The grave goods are represented by a bronze waistbelt clasp and a fragment of an iron object. Alongside the horse, there was a quiver with three arrow-heads and a rasp-file, as well as part of a bridle (a snaffle bit fixed to a wooden cheekpiece and a bronze buckle tip). The specifics of the burial rite and analysis of the material obtained during the study of the funeral complex allows attribution of the Menovnoe-VIII kurgan 8 graves to representatives of the Kyrgyz-Khakass antiquities, who were in contact with the rulers of the Kimak Khaganate during the second half of the 8th — 10th century.

Родовая община коренных малочисленных народов Севера в системе управления традиционным природопользованием

The article considers the role and place of nomadic tribal communities of indigenous peoples of the North in administration of traditional nature management. It is shown that the emergence of such communities is due to a profound transformation of economic relations in the Arctic in the context of the transition to new economic conditions in the 90s of the XX century. The author gives the characteristic of such tribal communities in the municipal areas of the Arctic zone of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Using the example of the nomadic tribal community “Omoloy” in the Ust-Yansky district of the republic, he shows its role in the development of traditional nature management, ensuring employment and income of the local population. The author presents the scheme of interaction of the tribal community as a primary production unit with government authorities and other economic entities to ensure the socio-economic development of the Arctic territories and substantiates the measures for the harmonization of relations between tribal communities and mining companies in the context of the Arctic industrial development.

Fragmentary coverage of Roma traditions in Romanian interwar periodicals

This study identifies 25 Roma traditions, fragmentarily represented in 10 texts, which were discovered by the author in Romanian interwar periodicals. Traditions are an integral part of the Roma identity (in addition to the Romani language and the Romani crafts); they are used by the Roma only in the Romani environment, in a specific historical, socio-economic and territorial context. The author conventionally divides the Roma traditions into 5 functional compartments: 1) traditions that regulate the way that Romani crafts are fulfilled; 2) traditions that regulate everyday social relations within the Romani community; 3) traditions that regulate the relations between Roma and government authorities; 4) traditions that reveal the way the Roma express themselves towards the variety of external natural and social phenomena; 5) traditions that regulate the development of the marriage ceremony among the nomadic Roma community. The main objective of this study is focused on the partial disclosure and variable description of Roma traditions, applied in a specific historical, socio-economic and territorial context, to facilitate the process of building the cultural mosaic of the Roma, which is part of the European cultural mosaic.

NOŻE WOLUTOWE – O FUNKCJI I POCHODZENIU ZAGADKOWYCH PRZEDMIOTÓW W KULTURZE SŁOWIAŃSKIEJ

The text presents spiral knives, objects of clearly exceptional nature. The data, the map and table included here are meant to update information on the subject after 32 years. Identification of the specific regional groups and a metric analysis of the historical objects highlight the differences between the groups. The text also touches upon objects which are morphologically close to the spiral knives used by nomadic communities. A critical look at the theories in literature on the subject allowed to limit the functions to two, possibly mutually complementary.

Thousands of Qatari genomes inform human migration history and improve imputation of Arab haplotypes

Arab populations are largely understudied, notably their genetic structure and history. Here we present an in-depth analysis of 6,218 whole genomes from Qatar, revealing extensive diversity as well as genetic ancestries representing the main founding Arab genealogical lineages of Qahtanite (Peninsular Arabs) and Adnanite (General Arabs and West Eurasian Arabs). We find that Peninsular Arabs are the closest relatives of ancient hunter-gatherers and Neolithic farmers from the Levant, and that founder Arab populations experienced multiple splitting events 12–20 kya, consistent with the aridification of Arabia and farming in the Levant, giving rise to settler and nomadic communities. In terms of recent genetic flow, we show that these ancestries contributed significantly to European, South Asian as well as South American populations, likely as a result of Islamic expansion over the past 1400 years. Notably, we characterize a large cohort of men with the ChrY J1a2b haplogroup (n = 1,491), identifying 29 unique sub-haplogroups. Finally, we leverage genotype novelty to build a reference panel of 12,432 haplotypes, demonstrating improved genotype imputation for both rare and common alleles in Arabs and the wider Middle East.

A Deleuzean Look on Tony Gatlif’s Accented Cinema

This study aims to discuss Tony Gatlif's "accented cinema", which deals with the lives of minorities and nomads and the reflexivity brought by these lives in many of his films, in terms of philosophical expansions. The original style which the director build by using cinema’s means about being a Gypsy or from an ethnic minority, while opening the majorities to questioning, it transforms the film watching experience to a specific intellectual adventure. In Gatlif's approach, which includes elements that coincide with Hamid Naficy's definition of "accented cinema", nomadism emerges as a minor element and, nomadic Gypsy communities, inside all the inhabitants of the world, display a minor existence. This philosophical reflexivity in Gatlif’s films, which is similar to Kafka in terms of masterfully presenting words of a minor community, is examined by focusing on, Latcho Drom (1992), Gadjo Dilo (1997), Exils (2004), Transylvania (2006) and Korkoro (2009) films. Questions like revealing reflexivities in terms of director’s accented images and what these elements mean on account of difference and minor cinema debates, form the film analyses’ basic questioning fields and the obtained findings are discussed by taking reference of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s concepts who see cinema as a philosophical perception and thinking activity. In this context, Deleuze and Guattari’s ontology of difference and minor cinema approach are the intellectual background of this study to be made on Gatlif cinema.

People on the Move: Addressing Vulnerabilities of Nomadic Communities in Darfur

Until recently, the needs and concerns of the Arab nomadic communities in Darfur were not given sufficient attention by the international community, probably because of the tendency to equate them with the notorious “Arab militia” accused of committing crimes during the conflict in Darfur. This began to change after several Arab nomad leaders complained to the United Nations and relief groups about their exclusion from humanitarian and development programmes and projects implemented in the region. The article explores the conditions and vulnerabilities of nomadic communities in Darfur and highlights some of the subsequent successful initiatives undertaken by the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to address the concerns of the nomadic community members.

Medicinal Uses of Edible Vegetables by Nomadic Community of Pir Panjal Region of District Rajouri Jammu &amp; Kashmir (UT) - India

The analysis of edible vegetables used by nomadic community Pir Panjal region of district rajouri Union territory Jammu &amp; Kashmir-India The present investigation of edible vegetables were based on extensive and intensive field survey during January 2020 to January 2021. A total of 24 edible vegetables species belonging to 18 families have been reported from the areas. The inventory is expected to provide baseline, scientific data for further Studies on edible vegetables and can be used to facilitate the long-term conservation and sustainable uses of medicinal resources in the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Cucurbitaceae was found to be most dominant families in term of the species in the areas with 3 species, followed by Malvaceae and Rosaceae.

National Security, Property Rights, and Development in Nigeria: How Should the Leviathan Resolve Herder-Farmer Conflict?

Abstract The spate of violent clashes between nomadic pastoralists and agrarian communities in Nigeria raises a number of legal and policy questions that had been long overlooked. Issues arising from the phenomenon range from questions over constitutionally guaranteed rights such as the right to own property, to questions over the inadequacies of Nigeria’s security apparatus as well as calls for land use reforms. Additionally, due to the groups affected and the scale of casualties, the topic has become a political molten magma. The constant conflicts between nomadic pastoralists who are majorly from the Fulani ethnic group, and agrarian communities from other parts of the country have reached unprecedented levels leading to accusations of coordinated attempts at land grab, ethnic cleansing, jihad and insurgency, threatening the country’s security and stability in the process. Fiscally, the destruction of lives and property and the state of insecurity emanating from the clashes stood at $16 billion in potential revenue as at 2018. In no small measure have these clashes been precipitated by climate change and the consequent drought in the Sahara region. This paper analyses the role of the Nigerian state in balancing the interests of affected groups in the clashes and promoting development. At its core, it seeks to identify legal and policy gaps that require filling to put a definite end to the lingering crisis.

Bir Türkmen Babasından Bektaşi Babasına Dönüşümün Hikâyesi: Halifet Baba Zaviyesi

Dervishes of Heterodox sects such as Yasawiyya, Haydariyya and Kalenderiyya migrated to Anatolia from the thirteenth century. These people, who were kind of propagandists, found a suitable ground in Anatolia, not in cities, but in villages and among nomads. Turkmen “baba” (father) and dervishes, belonging to Heterodox groups, settled in western Anatolia, especially on the Byzantine border, and established their zawiyas. Because these dervishes, who also have warrior identities, have had the opportunity to propagate jihad and Islam in this border region. As they were seen by the Turkish sultans as colonizers who would make the military conquest permanent in the region, the zawiyas they opened were supported by waqfs. In western Anatolia, where nomadic and semi-settled Turkmen communities were heavily inhabited, Turkmen dervishes became figures who shaped the spiritual world of the communities and warmed them to Islam. Halifet Baba Zawiya was built in the village of Arabhisar, which was founded on top of the ancient city of Alabanda after the Turkish raids. Stones from the ruins of an ancient Christian temple were also used in its construction. These zawiya was part of the process of The Turkification and Islamization of the Anatolian lands. During the Ottoman period, his primary name was forgotten, and he became known as Baba Sultan. Currently, it is one of the sacred temples visited by the Alawites and is known as the Arab Dede. In this study, the historical transformation of the Halifet Baba Zawiya will be emphasized in accordance with the Ottoman archival records. The adventure of turning from a Christian cult to an Islamic cult and then into a place considered sacred by the Bektashis and Alawites will be described.

The Importance of Religious Education in Consolidating Kazakh Identity in China: An Historical Approach

The spread of Islam to the nomadic Kazakh community that lived in the steppes of Asia has followed a difficult historical path over many centuries. In recent centuries, a system of Islamic religious education in the regions where Islam was the main religion gradually began to generalize and spread. This process continued until the more recent introduction of an updated and broader educational program. This article shows how religious education developed in this minority faith community, ultimately strengthening educational levels generally as well as a sense of Kazakh identity.

Plant Resources Utilization among Different Ethnic Groups of Ladakh in Trans-Himalayan Region.

Simple SummaryIndigenous communities are a large resource of increasingly endangered, traditionally used medicinal plants and the associated ecological knowledge, which needs to be documented quickly as the base to establish sustainable livelihoods and healthcare systems. Through the interaction of indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, and the surrounding environment, these communities have developed their livelihoods over time. In this study, we tried to obtain an in-depth understanding of ethnomedicinal, cultural, and ritual perspectives on plant diversity in the Ladakh region and evaluated how the wild flora of Ladakh could improve local livelihoods and alleviate poverty. By surveying and applying open- and close-ended semi-structured interviews and group discussions in three communities, we documented 105 ethnobotanically important plants belonging to 39 families. The Balti and Brokpa ethnic groups showed greater similarity, whereas the least overlap in plant use was observed between Beda and Brokpa. Plants common to all cultures were mostly used for medicinal applications, while some were also used for religious purposes in the two major religions (Islam and Buddhism). A total of 37 species were shared by all cultures (Balti, Brokpa, and Beda). The cluster analysis elucidated three major clusters of different ethnobotanical usage. The first cluster included food and medicinal plants, the second included clusters of dye and flavor plants, and the third included plants used for fragrance, oil, fuel wood, and fodder. Plant parts were collected based on their availability in distinct pheno-phases according to the Tibetan traditional calendar. This study’s findings revealed that plants provide tangible economic benefits to indigenous communities, in addition to aiding in the treatment of various ailments. Sustainable use and management of wild resources can help improve livelihoods and food security and alleviate poverty.The nomadic pastoral indigenous communities of the Ladakhi people share roots with Tibetan culture in terms of food, clothing, religion, festivals, and habits, and rely widely on plant resources for survival and livelihood. This survey was conducted during 2019–2021 to document the indigenous knowledge about plant resources of the Balti, Beda, and Brokpa communities of the Ladakh region, trans-Himalayas. Open- and close-ended semi-structured interviews (N = 184) and group discussions (N = 17) were used to collect the data. Quantitative data was further analyzed using various statistical tools. A total of 105 plant species belonging to 82 genera and 39 families were used as medicine, fuel wood, fragrance, oil, food, flavor, fodder, decoration, and dye. Among these, medicinal use was most prevalent, with 70% of use reports, followed by fodder and fuel wood. Leaves (27%) were the most preferred plant part used, followed by roots and flowers. The principal component analysis revealed five clusters of ethnobotanical usage, i.e., food, medicine, fuel wood, fodder, and fragrance, oil, dye, and flavor. The maximum number of plant species used was reported by the Brokpa, while the Beda reported the minimum number of plant species uses. Delphinium brunonianum, Waldheimia tomentosa, and Juniperus indica played a significant role in the cultural and religious ritual aspects, whereas Allium przewalskianum, Waldheimia tomentosa, Juniperus indica, and Hippophae rhamnoides were commonly used as a livelihood source among Ladakhi communities. The local people collected most plants (65%) for self-consumption, while the rest (35%) were sold in markets as a source of income. The sustainable utilization and management of plant resources by local people is a strategy to boost livelihoods and food security and alleviate poverty.

Nomadic Hearths of Soviet Culture: ‘Women’s Red Yurt’ Campaigns in Kazakhstan, 1925–1935

This article discusses the ‘red yurt’ campaigns in early Soviet Kazakhstan, in which party and state institutions sponsored mobile centres of Soviet culture in nomadic pastoralist communities. In conversation with other literature on nomadic encounters with the Soviet state, this article considers how red yurts sought to exemplify Soviet ‘culturedness’ (kul’turnost’) within nomadic ‘everyday life’ (byt)—two concepts that have, so far, been discussed primarily in the Russian context. It argues that the campaigns were less antagonistic towards nomadic lifestyles and more embedded in regional discourse than has often been assumed, although realities on the ground complicated idealistic plans.

Седентаризация средневековых кочевников Восточной Европы: понимание и проявление

Research objectives: To demonstrate that, contrary to the opinion of many researchers of the history and culture of nomads during the Middle Ages, sedentarization (the transition from a nomadic to settled lifestyle) was neither an end in itself nor the result of a natural historical development of nomadic societies. Research materials: This study is based on a source analysis of archaeological data, medieval written sources, and the works of travelers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries who described the lifestyle and mentality of the Turkic and Mongol nomads who lived in the steppes of Eurasia at that time. Results and novelty of the research: Soviet researchers explained the gradual but sequential transition of nomads to a settled lifestyle through the methodology of a three-staged scheme: 1) the tabor stage represented by rare archaeological sites in the steppe; 2) the semi-nomadic stage with the appearance of stationary burial mounds and settlements in the steppe, which marked the places of nomadic wintering; 3) the stage of settlement with the appearance of nomadic burial grounds near cities and the deposition of elements of the material culture of nomads in the cultural layers of medieval cities. However, an in-depth analysis of traces of nomadic culture in the territory of the Bulgar and Golden Horde cities shows that they occupied an extremely insignificant place in the general complex of urban culture. Medieval narrative sources indicate the indifferent attitude of the bulk of nomads to cities. The observations of travelers of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries confirm and supplement the information recorded by medieval authors. Historical, ethnographic, and sociological data of domestic and foreign researchers in the first half of the twentieth century indicate that the sedentarization of Kazakhs, Kalmyks, and Mongols was a consequence of the social policy of the Soviet government, which was interested in establishing strict control over nomads. As such, the author drew the following conclusions: 1) the “first stage of nomadism” was actually the migration of nomads in search of new habitats; 2) the “second stage” was the most natural and the only possible form of existence of nomadic communities in the natural and geographical conditions of the Eurasian steppes (those researchers are correct who thought and still think so); 3) there was no “third stage of nomadism” at all, since nomads cease to be nomads per se after their forced transition to this stage.

The Post-Sandstorm Rehabilitation of Rural Settlements Using Action Research Method; the Case of Sang Abad, Kerman Province

Deemed to be one of the most important problems in desert areas, sandstorms are among regularly-occurring disasters. They particularly affect rural areas due to their vulnerability, causing many economic, livelihood-related, physical, social, cultural, and environmental damages. Reagan County in Kerman province is known as one of the country’s most critical areas in this respect, with recent incidents causing 50 evacuations, and damages to a further 150 villages. Widespread droughts in recent decades have caused a lot of damage to the area’s nomadic communities such Sang Abad. Bearing in mind the frequent recurrence of the hazard, the rural settlements of this area are exposed to gradual decay. Exposure to local and regional sources of sandstorms, the high levels of vulnerability, and the poverty and deprivation necessitates the rehabilitation of the village. The action research method is used here. For two years, the researchers have participated in the reconstruction of Sang Abad village (August 2016 - September 2018). Devising a comprehensive and integrated reconstruction planning for the village, they have intervened in rehabilitation and reconstruction keeping in close contact with the residents. The findings have then gone through process of assessment and valuation obtained from the study of the action research methodology. Bearing in mind the differences between the method used here with those of mainstream approaches to reconstruction studies, the feasibility of using this method in future reconstruction studies is also examined. The results of evaluating rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Sang Abad have shown the effectiveness of these activities in reducing sandstorm hazards. It also seems that rehabilitation of the economy and livelihood is one of the most critical reconstruction priorities in rehabilitation of rural settlements exposed to sandstorms and in particular Sangabad.

Knowledge, awareness and use of HIV services among the youth from nomadic and agricultural communities in Tanzania.

Nomadic life not only prevents the community from accessing and utilising HIV services but also deters them from obtaining reliable information on HIV. We conducted a cross-sectional study of youth aged 10-24 years from the Kilindi and Ngorongoro Districts in Tanzania to assess knowledge, accessibility and utilisation of HIV/AIDS services among nomadic and agricultural youths. Of 518 youths interviewed, 279 (53.9%) were males, and 276 (53.3%) were from agricultural communities. A significant proportion of youths from agricultural communities had correct knowledge of AIDS (n = 126, 45.8%; P = 0.002), HIV transmission (n = 273, 98.9%; P = 0.001) and comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (n = 78, 28.5%; P = 0.009) compared to nomads. Youths from agricultural communities were two times (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6) more likely to be aware of the availability of formal HIV services. Awareness of the availability of HIV services was higher among married individuals than in unmarried ones (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.0-7.4), and significantly higher among youths with secondary/college education than in those who did not have formal education (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.3-12.4). The uptake of HIV services was lower among nomadic youths. Knowledge, awareness and utilisation of HIV/AIDS transmission services were low in general, and even lower among nomadic youths, calling for more targeted interventions.

SOME FACTS ABOUT ZH. NURMUKHAMEDOV

In this publication, based on the involvement of numerous primary sources, episodes of the most important military operations of the insurgent Kazakhs under the leadership of the legendary batyr Zh.Nurmukhamedov in the struggle against the Khivans, Kokands and Tsarist Russia are traced. The most significant periods in history of the Kazakhs' struggle for freedom and independence are traced. The authors come to the conclusion that the national liberation movement of the Kazakhs under the leadership of Zhankozha Nurmukhamedov acquired a mass character and was directed against the colonial expansion of the tsarist colonialists. The insurgents included not only the Shekti clan, but also Kazakhs of other clans, in particular, Karasakal and Tortkara. The uprising was attended not only by the sedentary population of the Syr Darya, but also by nomadic divisions and communities from the Kazaly regions and the Aral Sea.

Contemporary Socio-Economic Challenges and Legal Intervention to Nomadic Tribal Community: A Case Study of Nomadic Prisoners in Bihar

Nomadic, de-notified and semi-nomadic tribes are considered to be the earliest inhabitants of any nation. Their sacrifices and sufferings in the past and present have resulted in a developing nation that we are today. Despite that, today, the nomadic tribal communities are the worst sufferers because of the lack of education, livelihood, occupation, fundamental rights, legal rights,etc.; they are considered to be the least developed. Failure in implementing the framework and crooked legislations had harvested their souls for our own selfish needs, and incarcerated the nomadic tribal community without providing them access to free legal aid service endeavouring for due justice. The present study broadly scrutinises these issues, problems and their ill effects because of which these communities are facing a lot of challenges and are unable to secure justice.

Reviving a Heritage in Peril: India’s Endangered Traditions of Cotton and Wool

This article traces the journey of two indigenous textile fibres—Kala cotton and Desi Oon—and the efforts of farmers, pastoralists, craft artisans and Khamir, to conserve, sustain and promote the natural and cultural heritage that have nourished these fibres. It recreates the revival of these fibres in Kutch, a semi-arid region of India, and unfolds the technical, cultural and creative challenges that have accompanied this process—from land to the loom. Large-scale shifts in Indian agriculture have marked a significant breakdown of the value loops and deep interdependent economies between farmers, spinners, weavers, dyers and tailors. First, in the nineteenth century, when the cultivation of short staple indigenous varieties of cotton shifted to long staple cotton, which could feed the mills of Britain; and then in the late twentieth century when a global push towards hybrid, genetically modified varieties of cotton strode over the farming of more resilient local cotton varieties. Similarly, across India, vast genetic resource of sheep, yak and camels, in particular, have, for centuries, been conserved and bred by the nomadic pastoral communities of these regions. Even two and a half decade ago, the animal’s fibre was used extensively by the pastoralists themselves and fetched them a market price for the wool that was almost equal to that of meat. However, with India becoming a major sheep meat producing country, accompanied by the relaxation of tariffs on wool imports in the early nineties, the Indian wool market has moved completely to softer, longer staple wool from New Zealand, Australia and the Middle East. Today, this is the only natural fibre in which India is deficient despite having the third largest number of sheep in the world! The process of conserving indigenous cotton seeds, sheep breeds, their fibres and a range of associated textile crafts, challenge all the essential premises on which the political economy of contemporary textiles rest. However hope comes in many forms—the intense climatic variabilities and growing vulnerabilities to climate change, is compelling farmers and pastoralists to revisit the choices they have been compelled to adopt by a globalized market economy. Their growing understanding and need to revive their local cotton seeds and animal breeds, which are more adaptable and resilient to climatic variabilities, hold out a tremendous opportunity to transform the landscape of indigenous textile fibres. Through her experiences, the author stitches together a story of localization wherein Khamir attempts to restore a lost heritage and the bonds between farmers, pastoralists, spinners, weavers and dyers.