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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