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Volume 3 48 |
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A–Z |  |
PLAYING A POPULAR GAME IN THE PAMIRS: THE SCRIMMAGE
| The game is known as "baigu," and the "ball" is a decapitated goat. The players, men long past the prime of life and sturdy young lads, are splendid riders who, almost cradled on horseback, can perform astonishing feats astride their wiry, little unshod horses. No spurs are used, and the stirrups are short and wide, enabling the riders to spring easily to the ground |
PICKING UP THE "BALL" IN THE HAZARDOUS GAME OF BAIGU
| Here a player is seen bending from his saddle in the act of picking up the "ball," with which he has to gallop round a post and return to the starting-point. He is hotly pursued by the other players on their shaggy, tousled horses, and strenuous efforts are made to overtake him, to surround him, and to snatch the "ball" away before he can proclaim himself victor |