Ladakh has a traditional system that believes in the Lha (gods or deities) and klu (subterranean spirits), that reside in this world or the other. These deities and spirits are represented through various built and/or natural forms in the landscape that are also considered to be their abodes. Specific trees (lha lChang, pronounced lharchang), or groves of trees are the most popular forms and known to be the sacred trees. Similarly, water bodies are often considered sacred because of the water spirits (klu) that inhabit and guard them.  This image was made from a Lharchang tree which stays abandoned in the outskirts of Phey village next to a Chumik, a water body. The image was toned using the roots of a plant named Demok which is used for the red colour extracted from it when mixed with local butter during religious ceremonies.