Sherpa High Country

Duration: 600

Year Published: 1977

Creator: Lisanevich Xenia

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: sound

Credits: Lisanevich, Xenia.; University of California (System). Extension Media Center.

Description: Looks at the Sherpas of the Solu Khumbu highlands in Nepal, near Mt Everest. Focuses on the Mani-Rimdu ceremony, a three-day dance drama performed by monks celebrating Buddhist teachings.

Complete Record: Subject: beautifully photographed ethnographic documentary on the Sherpas of the Solu Khumbu highlands in Nepal, near Mount Everest. A close-up of turning prayer wheels serves as an introduction to the film’s principal theme: the prevalence of the wheel-of life motif throughout Sherpa culture, indicating the tremendous influence of Buddhism. Shots: prayer wheel, snowcapped mountains, native peoples, cattle, children washing at stream, narrator describes how sherpas live and work, terraced village, stone building, foot trails, stone walls, highest settlement at 13,000 feet at the base of Everest, Himalayas, yak grazing, exchange of goods, procession, playing large wind instruments, wearing traditional clothing, monks, ceremony, dance, nuns watch, masks, drumming, narrator explains meaning and purpose of rituals, costume, altars, food, worship, swords

Metadata Source:BERKELEY ART MUSEUM AND PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE