A mashk (Persian: مَشْک) is a traditional water-carrying bag, usually made of waterproofed goat-skin. Mashks can vary in size, from a hand-held bag, which was often used to carry liquids such as water, to a large sized bag that comes with shoulder strap. They usually have only one narrowed opening.

Mashk

In Iran, mashk is traditionally used to turn yogurt into yogurt drink and prepare butter. Nomadic women separate the butter from the yogurt by pouring yogurt and water into the mashk and shaking it successively

Nomads in Iran

The majority of the of Iranian (about 4 million people) have ethnic and tribal life. The concept of tribe has always been associated with nomads and shepherds, and shepherds must go from side to side in search of new pastures and meadows.

History of nomad-ism in Iran

Iran, due to its special geographical location and proximity to nomadic tribes, especially from the north and northeast is one of the most important nomadic regions in the world. The first historical references date back to the first millennium BC, when a vast territory later called Iran was invaded by tribes moving from the north. At the beginning of their arrival in this country, these tribes were cattle breeders and raised horses. In general, the history of nomadism in Iran dates back to more than 8,000 years ago, and the artifacts found in southwestern Iran confirm this. But it should not be forgotten that the history of nomadism varies in different parts of the world.

Nomadic life has historically been more prevalent in semi-arid and marginal agricultural areas, and over time, the domestication of animals such as horses and donkeys and the increasing power of nomads has led to its development and expansion. Excavations in southwestern Iran show that humans temporarily spent part of the year (winter) in this region about 8,000 years ago while breeding only goats; Therefore, due to the geographical location and natural characteristics of this land, it is not possible to make a definite statement about the history of nomadism in Iran, but it must be said that Iran is a country that has been familiar with nomadism since many years ago and despite reducing the number of nomads in Compared to the monogamous population, the nomadic community, along with urban and rural residents, is the third most accepted community in Iran. In addition, despite having a relationship with a nomadic population, they have their own unique economy and separate from them.