Suluuk (Classic Print)

Chüy Valley, Kyrgyzstan: Nursultan is one of the modern practitioners of the ancient sport of eagle hunting. His golden eagle, Suluuk—meaning "Beauty" in Kyrgyz—is thirteen years old, and her wingspan stretches nearly six feet wide.

In the winter, they hunt foxes and, on rare occasions, even lone wolves. But what Nursultan is most proud of is that he and Suluuk placed third in the World Nomad Games, a prestigious event known as the Olympics of traditional nomadic sports.

When Suluuk turns twenty, Nursultan will release her back into the wild in hopes she’ll find a mate and foster her own offspring. He’ll be the last human she ever touches before she returns to the vast wilderness of the Tian Shan range. It will be a final moment between hunter and eagle, both bound by tradition yet destined for separation.

In countries with a rich nomadic heritage like Kyrgyzstan, eagle hunting is a tradition that reaches back thousands of years, but like many traditions, was suppressed in Soviet times. Only recently has it seen a revival.

About this print:
Gicleé inks on museum-grade, 0.43mm thick 100% premium cotton archival paper. Acid free. Smooth-matte surface provides a beautiful organic texture and excellent viewing from any angle. 

Note:
A 0.6 inch white border runs along the perimeter of the image. Does not come framed. Please allow print to gently flatten out over a few days upon arrival before framing or hanging.