article

Pastoral nomads: some general observations based on research in Iran

Journal of anthropological research • 58 (2) • Published In 2002 • Pages: 245-264

By: Salzman, Philip Carl.

Abstract
In this article, Salzman examines nomadism in Iran. First he defines the concept as the 'regular and frequent movement of home and household.' He argues that nomadism is not necessarily associated with any one productive activity, nor does a productive activity by itself determine a nomadic existence. He examines five different nomad groups to show the variation in their respective economies. The five groups are the Sarhardi Baluch, Komachi, Basseri, Yomut Turkmen, and the Qashqa'i. He concludes by conceptulizing nomadism as a strategy that maximizes culturally defined objective, which may include production, survival, or independence.
Subjects
Functional and adaptational interpretations
Annual cycle
Pastoral activities
Settlement patterns
Territorial hierarchy
External relations
culture
Iran
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Middle East
Sub Region
Middle East
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2005
Field Date
1968-1976
Coverage Date
1920-1988
Coverage Place
Iran
Notes
Philip Carl Salzman
Includes bibliographical references (p. 262-264)
LCCN
73645054
LCSH
Iranians