Horse Head Obo

Horse Head Obo

The main livestock raised on the Qinghai Plateau are cattle, sheep, and horses. Among them, horses, known for their endurance and sense of direction, are primarily used for riding. As a means of transportation, horses hold an extremely important position in animal husbandry and daily life, serving as close companions to herders during grazing and travel. The Horse Head Obo is constructed by herders from the totems of wild horses and piles of horse heads, adorned with colorful prayer flags to pray for the happiness of the people and the excellence of the horses. This ancient and mystical ritual of using the skulls of fine horses for blessings is still practiced today. Similarly, this tradition is also used to commemorate ancestors, allowing people to enjoy the abundant fruits of their labor and the great legacy they left behind.