The crowning of the mahouts
The procession of elephants, seemingly out of a novel by Joseph Conrad, nonchantly amble into the forest of eucalyptus trees, bordering the Mekong river. The caravan has already been on the road for several days ago after leaving the annual elephant festival held in Hongsa Laos every year in February. Dozens of mahouts with their mounts compete for the prize of the most elegant and best trained elephant.
On their way back, after crossing the paddy fields now dry at the end of the wet season, the expedition stops to camp for the night. Time stands still.
A Feature from Jean-Pierre DEGAS for Hemis
Text available by Marie-France Parra
