Sheer joy at sheep shearing season in Iran

As the weather warms up in Kermanshah province in western Iran, the shearing season for sheep has begun.

Nomadic shepherds can be seen busy with their flocks, skillfully removing the wool from sheep.

This annual tradition has been taking place for generations in Kermanshah province, and many nomads still rely on the income generated from selling shorn wool.

According to local sources, the province produces well over 650 tonnes of shorn wool annually.

The shearing process is done by hand, with each sheep carefully held down and shorn with a sharp blade.

The wool is then collected and sorted according to its quality and use in textiles and other products.

Despite the hard work involved, many of the nomads in Kermanshah province enjoy the shearing season.

Here are a few snapshots that offer a glimpse into the art of sheep shearing in Iran.

AG/AG