Himalayan Salt Trade Collection #13 of 15, Artist's Proof #2 - Limited Edition 1 of 108 Photograph

On assignment for National Geographic I went to the remote Himalaya to cover the ancient salt trade over the world's highest trade pass, Nangpa La, set at 20,000' between Nepal and Tibet. This collection of photographs cannot be replicated as this traditional trade no longer exists, the Chinese have shut down the Nangpa La, and these long yak caravans will never be seen again. They have vanished. I was inspired to capture this way of life before it was gone forever. I feel these ancient cultures have so much more to teach us, than we have to teach them. Tibet is a high, dry plateau where the salt is prevalent, the Chang Tang. Salt can be scooped up by hand in areas because it can be so brackish. Tibetan salt is considered to have almost magical qualities and the Himalayan peoples value it far beyond Indian salt. Yak trade is also big over Nangpa La on this salt route, with much of the breeding occurring on the Tibetan side. Anyone visiting Tibet now would not be able to see this kind of work going on, since the trade has been halted. These photographs were shot in film, Kodachrome 64, and are very rare indeed. Archival and museum quality paper and printing utilized: Epson UltraChrome HDR pigmented inks, and Canson Infinity Photographique 310 gsm paper. Decorators, other sizes and prices available.