Bökh Dance (2005)
Matthieu Paley
Wrestling is one of Mongolia’s age-old "Three Manly Skills", along with horsemanship and archery. Before a match, tradition dictates that the wrestler must keep one hand on his trainer's shoulders and circle around him a few times, with his eyes closed. Before entering the ring, the wrestlers dress up in the traditional Zodog, a shirt with sleeves and back but no front.
Matthieu Paley has travelled all over the world on assignment for National Geographic magazine. Focusing his efforts on regions that are misrepresented, he is especially committed to issues relating to diminishing cultures and to the environment.
The recipient of numerous awards, Matthieu has published several books of his work and his fine art images have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.
Born in
