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 place in animal husbandry and people’s daily lives. They are close companions to herders during grazing and travel. The Horse Head Obo is built by herders using the totems of wild horses and piles of horse heads, with colorful prayer flags erected around it to pray for the happiness of the people and the excellence of the horses. This ancient and mysterious form of worship is still practiced today, where the heads of fine horses are piled up as offerings for blessings. Similarly, this tradition serves to commemorate ancestors, allowing people to enjoy the abundant fruits of their labor and the great legacy they left behind.