Traditional Society Collection

A Hadza hunter wearing a baboon skin returns to camp with a haunch of impala over his shoulder. He killed the antelope with a metal-tipped arrow that had been dipped in a fast-acting vegetable poison

A Hadza hunter fledges an arrow shaft
A Hadza hunter wearing a baboon skin fledges an arrow shaft with guinea fowl feathers using the sinews of an antelope.The Hadzabe are a thousand-strong community of hunter-gatherers who have lived in

An old Turkana woman wearing all the finery of her tribe. In a hole pierced below her lower lip, she wears an ornament beautifully made from twisted strands of copper wire

Kenya, South Horr, Kurungu. A Samburu youth after his circumcision. The day after he has been circumcised, the initiate must hang in his pierced earlobes copper ear ornaments that are normally worn

Dressed in his black goatskin cloak, a Samburu boy puts his bundle of sticks, staves and gum on the roof of his mothers house

In the weeks leading up to their circumcision, Samburu boys gather frequently to sing the lebarta, a circumcision song with a slow, haunting melody whose words are ad-libbed to suit the occasion

A Hadza hunter checks the straightness of a new arrow shaft
A Hadza hunter wearing the skins of a baboon and genet cat checks the straightness of a new arrow shaft, fledged with guinea fowl feathers.The Hadzabe are a thousand-strong community of

A proud Samburu mother of two recently circumcised boys wears briefly their bird skin headdresses round her neck after they discard them during the lmuget loolbaa ceremony (the ceremony of the arrows)

A young Samburu boy sucks marrow straight from the leg bone of a cow. Marrow is a much sought-after delicacy. During every Samburu ceremony

Samburu initiates sing during the month after their circumcision. As their wounds heal, their dances become more energetic

A Samburu initiate with bird skins hanging from his headband. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as

A Samburu initiate takes aim at a bird with a blunt arrow. While their wounds heal for a month after circumcision, initiates spend their time wandering in the countryside attempting to kill as many

A Samburu mother shaves her sons head outside her home the day before he is circumcised. Round her neck hangs his nchipi - the distinctive decoration of every boy who participates in the circumcision

Mothers rub animal fat into their sons cloaks to make them supple. This task is performed shortly before the boys set out on an arduous journey to collect sticks, staves and gum to make bows

A Samburu youth is forcibly restrained after throwing a fit in the tension-filled days leading up to his circumcision. It is not uncommon for Samburu youths and warriors to succumb to hysterical

A Samburu boy in reflective mood after his circumcision. A day after the ordeal, he will hang in his pierced earlobes copper earrings normally worn by married women

A Samburu youth, his head freshly shaved, has milk poured over him from a wooden gourd-like container decorated with green grass prior to his circumcision

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In the heart of traditional society, a Hadza hunter takes a moment to indulge in ancient rituals. With a crude stone pipe in hand, he smokes cannabis, connecting with his ancestors and finding solace amidst nature's embrace. The Hadza hunter embodies resilience and resourcefulness as he fletches an arrow shaft, honing his skills passed down through generations. Meanwhile, an old Turkana woman proudly adorns herself with the vibrant finery of her tribe. In Kenya's South Horr region of Kurungu, she stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage that has shaped her identity. Dressed in her black goatskin cloak, she carries stories etched into every stitch. As the weeks unfold towards their circumcision ceremony, anticipation fills the air for young Hadza hunters. They meticulously check each arrow shaft for straightness - precision being key to their survival in this unforgiving landscape. Their commitment to tradition intertwines with their instinctual connection to nature. In another corner of this traditional tapestry lies a group of Turkana girls gathering together to celebrate love and unity during a marriage ceremony. Adorned with colorful beads and adorned hairstyles, they embody grace and joy while honoring age-old customs that bind communities together. A Turkana girl catches our attention as she gracefully carries a large gourd-like container – symbolizing strength and fertility within her tribe's traditions. Her presence speaks volumes about the importance placed on preserving ancestral practices that have stood the test of time. Amidst these scenes from traditional society emerges a proud Samburu mother who celebrates her two sons' recent circumcisions—a rite of passage marking their transition into manhood within their community. Her radiant smile reflects both relief and pride as she witnesses her boys embracing adulthood while upholding cherished values handed down by previous generations. Finally, we encounter an innocent yet profound sight: A young Samburu boy revels in simple pleasures by sucking marrow straight from a cow's leg bone.