Exclusivepix Media Ltd

Show Navigation
  • View All Galleries
    • All Galleries
    • Search
    • Cart
    • Lightbox
    • Client Area
  • About
  • Contact
  • Portfolio
  • Sell Your Story
  • Work for Exclusivepix Media
  • info on Purchasing Images

Search Results

Refine Search
Match all words
Match any word
Prints
Personal Use
Royalty-Free
Rights-Managed
(leave unchecked to
search all images)
{ 561 images found }

Loading ()...

  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead3.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1...jpg
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1...JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead8.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead6.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead5.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1...jpg
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1...jpg
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1...jpg
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1...JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead9.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead7.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: In need of a comb: A man brushes the hair of a female corpse<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead4.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: What a drag: The dead bodies are dragged from where they died back to the village, always following a path of straight lines<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead2.JPG
  • Zombie chic: Indonesian province’s bizarre annual ritual of digging up its dead to give them a wash, groom and dress them in new clothes<br />
<br />
They say the dead live on in our hearts and minds - but in one Indonesian province, the deceased continue to walk the earth in a rather more literal, zombie-like fashion. <br />
Families in Toraja in South Sulawesi dig up the bodies of their dead relatives before washing, grooming and dressing them in fancy new clothes. <br />
Even dead children are exhumed - two of these photos show the skeleton of a baby wrapped in a print dress with a doll laid next to it. <br />
Damaged coffins are fixed or replaced, and the mummies are then walked around the province by following a path of straight lines. <br />
The ritual is called Ma'nene, or The Ceremony of Cleaning Corpses.<br />
 According to the ancient Torajan belief system, the spirit of a dead person must return to his village of origin. <br />
So if a person died on a journey, the family would go to the place of death and accompany the deceased back home by walking them back to the village.<br />
In the past, people were frightened to journey far, in case they died while they were away and were unable to return to their village.<br />
<br />
Photo shows: Zombieland: The bodies resemble something out of a horror film as they are dug up every year to be washed and dressed up in new clothes<br />
©Exclusivepix Media
    Exclusivepix_Real_life_walking_Dead1.JPG
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • The Time for Knives in Ethiopia<br />
<br />
The Dassanech live in southern Ethiopia. Dwelling in isolation along the Omo River, they have retained an ancestral way of life.<br />
They are called the “People from the Delta” in relation to the neighboring Turkana Lake but their world is actually one of desert, dust and acacia trees. Add to this hostile environment the rampant presence of malaria. The Dassanech encompass eight clans. Each possesses magical powers, such as making fire, keeping snakes away or making it rain...<br />
<br />
<br />
The entire lives of the Dassanech revolve around their cattle, their only wealth. It provides meat, milk – which is essential during times of drought – and skins used as clothing and sleeping mats. The number of cows indicates their owner’s social status. Despite their isolation, the Dassanech do not live in peace – their livestock remain under the threat of constant raids by the neighbouring tribes.<br />
<br />
And that is not folklore meant to impress the rare tourists who venture into these areas. Bloody clashes take place regularly, often with the Turkana tribe. Civil war is raging in southern Sudan nearby and Kalashnikovs sell for only $50. One only needs to take a look at the number of men with scars on their torsos, a sign that they have killed an enemy, to understand the ferocity of the fighting. There are hundreds of deaths every year. Kill a man and you will be a hero among the Dassanech.<br />
<br />
To become a man, one must go through the ceremony of the Dime. It takes place every year in June. It is the most important ritual in the lives of young Dassanech. This is the time for circumcision for boys and excision for girls. The time for knives, as the elders say.<br />
<br />
Testimonies about this ceremony are rare and for a good reason: the elders are reluctant to let foreigners attend the Dime. Even the few educated local Dassanech guides who live in the village of Omorate always come up with a good excuse not to go there or pretend to ignore the right places or dates.<br />
    ExPix_The_Time_for_Knives_in_Ethiopi...jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI03.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI07.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI06.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI09.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI11.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI10.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI12.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI21.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI25.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI22.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI28.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI32.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI33.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI39.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI37.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI43.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI44.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI47.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI50.jpg
  • TOOTH FILING IN BALI<br />
<br />
 5am in a little village of south Bali, Indonesia. For two days the teens have prayed in a special place and are now ready for the tooth filing ceremony. The whole village combined the ceremony to reduce the high costs.<br />
 The girls and even the boys have a make up session. The young people are dressed in gorgeous clothing and big headdresses that are rented for the celebration. The atmosphere looks more like a movie set than a religious celebration.  Balinese tooth-filing is an ancient tradition that predates Hinduism's arrival on the island in the 5th century BCE. Ancient tradition meets now the modern techniques with metal braces that have invaded Asia for years now.  The teeth of gods and spirits are always pointed and long. They are likened to those of ferocious evils, wild animals, or dogs. It’s believed a Balinese may be denied entrance into heaven if the teeth are not filed because she might be mistaken for a wild creature.  The tooth filing ceremony starts in the temple with the mebyakala , a series of purification with holy water made by the big priest (pedanda’ ) ceremony to “cleanse” the teenagers before having their teeth filed   The aim of the ceremony is to symbolically “cut down” on the six negative traits that are inherent in humans (like the 7 sins in Christianity) : lust, greed, wrath, pride, jealousy, and intoxication.  Tooth filing is a rite of passage into adulthood. The teens bow in front their parents and thanks them for everything they’ve since they were born. It is a very sequence full of emotions.  The teens show respect to her parents in front of the whole family and many end in tears. The teens have to go thru the ceremony when a boy’s voice change or when the girls has her first menstruations.  Before the filing begins, the priest says superstitious sentences. A ruby ring that is believed to have huge power is used to protect the teen from the evil. The stone touches the teeth as the protection symbol
    ExPix_TOOTH_FILING_IN_BALI01.jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition1.jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition2.jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition5.jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition6.jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition9.jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition1...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition1...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition1...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition1...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition2...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition2...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition3...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition3...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition3...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition4...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition3...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition4...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition4...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition4...jpg
  • Benin’s Living Dead: The Voodoo Twins Tradition<br />
<br />
40% of the world’s twins are born in Africa. Benin’s Fon people have one of the highest occurrences at 1 in 20 births. The high rate of infant mortality and voodoo religion, Benin’s national religion, have begot some very particular practices concerning the deaths of one or both of these twins. In many other societies, twins are regarded as bad omens and often killed or abandoned at birth. However, in the Fon culture, twins have always been revered because Nana Buluku, voodoo’s androgynous creator of the universe, gave birth to twins. These twins in turn created the voodoo deities that run the world.<br />
<br />
Once a twin dies, a wooden statue called the “hohovi” is carved, within which the spirit of the dead child is placed. These figurines are deified and treated almost exactly like the living children. For the Fon, twins are immortal. They continue to live even after their death, bringing blessings or misfortune depending on if there are either pampered or abused.<br />
<br />
Three months after the birth of twins, if they are still living, the parents go collect gifts from other members of their community. If one or both of the twins die, then the mother carries the statues around between her breasts and walks around with a tray on her head, receiving alms for the twins.  All donate some money or food. The mother may even take some wares on display at the market. If a woman is rich or powerful, then she sends someone to conduct this collection in her place. <br />
<br />
In Bopa, a village situated on the banks of Lake Aheme in southern Benin, Dah Tofa and his wife reside. Dah Tofa, an educated man in his 60s, is a voodoo priest. His wife, who is around 40 years old, speaks only Fon. I ask for her name and she tells me the name she was born with, but this causes a bit of an incident. Her husband explains that she was supposed to say “Hounyoga”, the name of the voodoo goddess she worships whose name she took. Her husband tells me
    Exclusivepix_Voodoo_Twins_Tradition4...jpg
Next
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
x