Alex Pollack A powerful collection of photos, and strong portraits, characterized by unique lighting and a consistently high level of artistry throughout.
Buzkashi, meaning “goat pulling” in Persian, is the wild sport of Tajikistan and its neighboring ‘Stans.’ Think polo - but with a headless, eviscerated goat instead of a ball, hundreds of riders, and no formal teams. Rooted in the nomadic cultures of Central Asia and played for hundreds of years, riders battle for control of the goat while dodging rivals (and the occasional whip or elbow) in scenes reminiscent of a Napoleonic battle painting. The rule book is a mere couple of sentences, with the match often overflowing into the fleeing crowd. Games can last for hours.