Sherpa culture
People
hold an iconic status in the Everest region of Nepal.
The Sherpa people emigrated to Nepal from eastern Tibet approximately 600 years ago.
customs
mountain culture
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traditional Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle
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There are an estimated 200,000 Sherpa worldwide, with around 150,000 living in Nepal.
Homes/villages
Walls tilt slightly inward for structural stability in earthquakes which are common.
Homes are constructed from local stones, sod, and timber. The region lacks clay/mud for wattle-and-daub walls.
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Gender roles/Lifestyle
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Male responsibilities:
Working as guides and porters in mountaineering expeditions
Engaging in trade and herding livestock
Assisting with farming activities
Performing religious rituals and rites as monks or lamas
Building homes and community structures
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Collecting firewood and water
Farming crops and foraging food
Milking and managing livestock
Preparing food and weaving clothing
Caring for household and raising children
Female responsibilities:
Religions
Sherpa food
Meat – Beef and chicken uncommon due to lack of pasture. Yak, goat and lamb often dried. Some pork and game like Himalayan tahr.
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