Julia Calfee: Spirits and Ghosts: Journeys through Mongolia, published by Powerhouse. Exhibit at 92nd Street Y.

Opening reception: November 5, 2003

Young nomads searching for berries at summer's end.

Before removing the door of the ger (Mongol traditional felt tent), tea is served for the last time.

Camels begin the mating season before the end of winter.

A stag comes down from the mountains to make a rare visit.

Entoya dressed in a ceremonial cloak and holding her shaman's drum made from a tree struck by lightning.

Prisoner convicted of a murder he does not remember. Mongolia's maximum security prison had no regard for human rights, according to prisoner Terbish. Everytime the guards in the prison changed shifts (7:30 AM and PM), the prisoners were commanded to undress and interrogated 'Who did you kill? Why did you kill?' followed by beatings and kicks from heavy boots for an hour. They were often left in only their underwear for 5 days. When they were allowed to dress, they could only wear one pair of socks, trousers, a sweater and shoes, nothing woolen and no boots. Reasons for beatings were found every time the guards opened the cell doors; if the metal food bowls were not polished like a mirror, if they looked out the window, peeked through the peephole. They were forced to stand all day without sitting until 10 PM. They could walk around but if noise was made, they were beaten and if anyone smoked a cigarette, they were beaten and questioned and put in solitary for 30 days. The guards never showed any concern for their health, however skinny or tired they were. Most prisoners wanted to die and wished they had the death sentence. If men died from beatings the diagnosis was 'lung disease.' Their one priviledge was to order and read books and newspapers. They were allowed visitors twice a year for one hour.

Adult male prisoners in the penitentiary, nine to a cell.