Reviving traditional Kazakh puppet art

Traditional Kazahk culture is getting a new interpretation to keep it relevant for the next generation. In the old days, the herders were hunters. Today, there's a shift towards protecting the environment--and the animals they once hunted.

The goat holds a special place in the life and culture of the Kazakh herders in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In this family, the dancing goat puppet provides hours of entertainment.

Local herdsman in Xinjiang said, "When our ancestors went hunting, they came upon a herd of goats. After seeing the goats frolicking about, they decided not to kill the animals any more, but to protect them. That's how the dancing goat was invented."

This dancing goat puppet art is called Orteke. The musician pulls the strings as he plays the guitar-like tamboura. The puppet dances to the rhythm of the finger movements.

But the dancing goat faces increasing competition from modern forms of entertainment.

This family has spent more than 30 years to revive the old art. They made the puppet themselves, and are giving new meaning to Orteke.

The boy says he wants to use the puppet show to tell people about animal protection.

The family may have found the best way to make sure the dancing goat continues to dance.