Goats and sheep were a major source of livelihood for Sisakhtis and transhumance pastoralists of the region. Butter made from the milk was the cash crop, and was sold in nearby cities in exchange for rice, sugar, tea, clothing, and some tools. Cash was also needed for important ceremonies, such as weddings. Wool from the sheep was spun and made into carpets, saddlebags, and rugs. Goat hair was used for ropes and to weave the black tents for which the transhumance pastoralists are known. Herding depended on pasture available for the animals. Transhumance people moved from summer to winter quarters for pasture. Villagers with larger herds moved to herding outposts in early spring in time for kids and lambs to be born, and remained there through the summer milking months. Some outposts comprised homes built of logs and sod. Others were temporary camps, which were relocated every few weeks. Getting animals through the winter was always a great challenge due to the cold and sparsity of food.
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