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Barefoot boy with mattock, Sierra Leone
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Barefoot boy with mattock, Sierra Leone
A barefoot West African farm boy pauses from working on a smallholding outside Freetown, Sierra Leone. He wears a crucifix on his forehead and carries a heavy digging mattock Date: circa 1982
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Media ID 19534427
© Philip Dunn / Mary Evans Picture Library
1982 Agriculture Bare Barefoot Crucifix Cultivate Cultivation Digging Eighties Feet Foot Hard Jungle Leone Planting Sierra Soil Tilling Toil
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative black-and-white photograph captures the essence of rural life in Sierra Leone during the 1980s. The image depicts a young West African boy, barefoot and dressed in tattered clothing, taking a moment's respite from his laborious work on a smallholding just outside the capital city of Freetown. With a heavy digging mattock slung over his shoulder, the boy's lean frame and concentrated expression speak to the physical demands of cultivating the land in this tropical climate. Despite the harsh conditions, the boy's faith is evident in the crucifix affixed to his forehead. This devotional practice, known as "painting the mark," is a common tradition among many West African farmers and is believed to bring protection and blessings during the rigors of farming. The lush jungle backdrop and the rich, dark soil provide a stark contrast to the boy's bare feet, which are calloused from years of working the land. The scene is one of toil and determination, as the boy continues to labor to provide for himself and his community. This poignant portrait offers a glimpse into the daily life of a hard-working farmer in Sierra Leone during the 1980s, a time when agriculture remained a crucial aspect of the country's economy and livelihoods. The image serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of rural communities in the face of adversity.
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