An indentured servant carries salt from the mines of Taudeni. Blocks of salt are chipped from the Earth, then shaped into two-inch-thick (five-centimenter) blocks that measure roughly four feet (120 centimeters) long by two feet (60 centimeters) wide. "It's imperative that they don't break or crack them because it suddenly drops the value. They have to be in one piece," said National Geographic Cultures Initiative photographer and expedition member Chris Rainier.

Back to news story >>

Make a gift to support exploration and adventure >>

Get one year of National Geographic Traveler magazine! CLICK HERE for your FREE GIFT! >>