Archive Photos of Chinese Ethnic Minorities Shown in Inner Mongolia

An exhibition of more than 100 archive photographs, recording the lives of ethnic minorities in Northest China, taken by British photographers 85 years ago opened in Inner Mongolia.

The photos, taken in 1931 and 1932 and collected by Ethel J. Lindgren from the University of Cambridge and photographer Oscar Mamen, are on display at Ewenki Museum in Ewenki Autonomous Banner. The 20-day exhibition opened Saturday.

The photos show the ways of life, religion, culture, and celebrations of the people of the Ewenki, Oroqen and Daur ethnic groups.

There were photos of Ewenki and Oroqen tents, Daur and Russian villages, worship and Shamaistic practices, as well as officials, herdsmen, wrestlers and hunters.

China is home to 56 ethnic groups. The Ewenki, Oroqen and Daur minorities are relatively small groups in north China, who inhabit Heilongjiang province and Inner Mongolia.