It is common for Tibetan women to style their hair in many thin braids.  These braids are often worn with white threads sewn or woven into the braids for added ornamentation. In this riddle, the speaker conjures an image in which a single smooth, black braid is compared to a bridge; atop this braid, the white ornamentation sewn or woven into the braid is determined to represent a long line of sheep being herded across the bridge. This riddle creates a symbolic link between a pastoral lifestyle and traditional women’s hairstyles.