Getting closer to the end of my March 2007 trip to Svaneti.

First (bottom), a view near Etseri.
Next up, shoes drying in the sun, also near Etseri.
Then three more of the family sheep, Ladreri, the lowest of which also has Ushba in the background (bonus!).
Finally, left, the Moon setting over Ladreri.

Sheep, Ladreri, March 2007

Going back a month to my 16th visit to Svaneti, the rolls of film from which I'm still scanning. Family portraits of this somewhat rough bunch.

Sheep, Etseri, March 2007

Just sheep, in front of the old part of Nodar's house.

Ram sacrifice, Etseri, Svaneti, Georgia, May 2001

Animal sacrifice, as opposed to simple butchery, is still a common practice in the Caucasus, moreso the higher (thus more pagan) one goes. It can be done to "bargain" with God, or in thanksgiving, or in memorial. So this isn't just a pretty picture of a ram; it's a pre-sacrifice portrait. I stayed around from start to finish to make sure I'm a real carnivore, not just a meat-eater who hasn't seen the cost, the process.