Tribal Ceremony Collection

A Pokomo drummer from the Tana River district of Kenya

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

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

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

Laikipiak Msai

Msai youth with decorated face
Black clothing and the intricate white patterns on the face of this Msai youth of the Kisongo section signify his recent circumcision

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gabbra women sing and dance to celebrate a wedding. The traditional metal ornamentation on their heads is called malmal

A large gathering of Msai warriors, resplendent with long Ochred braids, listen to instructions from their chiefs and elders during a ceremony

In their dances, Samburu warriors take it in turns to leap high in the air from a standing position without bending their knees

Samburu warriors, spears in hand, jump into the air without bending their knees during one of their dance routines

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

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

A Hamar woman blows a tin trumpet at a Jumping of the Bull ceremony. The Hamar are semi-nomadic pastoralists of Southwest Ethiopia whose women wear striking traditional dress

A Borana man at Mega in southern Ethiopia wears a phallic Kallaacha on his forehead. Made of cast aluminium and ivory or bone

A Dassanech man in full tribal regalia participates in a dance during a month-long ceremony. He wears a cheetah skin draped on his backs and a black ostrich-feather headdress

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In the heart of Kenya's Tana River district, a vibrant tribal ceremony unfolds. A Pokomo drummer, hailing from this region rich in cultural heritage, takes center stage. Dressed in his black goatskin cloak, he mesmerizes onlookers with rhythmic beats that echo through the air. Meanwhile, in South Horr's Kurungu village, preparations are underway for an ancient rite of passage. In the weeks leading up to their circumcision, young Laikipiak Msai boys gather together to learn and bond as they transition into manhood. Their faces reflect determination and anticipation for what lies ahead. Across the vast plains of Kenya, another celebration is taking place – a wedding among the Msai community. Girls adorned in colorful attire come together to honor love and unity. The air is filled with joyous laughter and traditional songs that resonate deep within their souls. In contrast to these joyous occasions stands a solemn event within the Himba tribe. When a wealthy and important head of lineage passes away, an elaborate funeral ceremony ensues. Tribesmen dressed in intricate garments pay tribute to their departed leader while preserving ancestral customs that have shaped their identity over generations. Amidst the arid lands inhabited by Samburu tribespeople emerges a proud mother who has recently witnessed her two sons undergo circumcision – an essential rite of passage for Samburu boys transitioning into adulthood. Her face radiates pride as she watches them embrace newfound responsibilities with grace and courage. During this transformative period after circumcision, Samburu initiates sing heartfelt songs resonating across the landscape like whispers carried by gentle winds. Adorned with bird skins hanging from their headbands symbolizing strength and resilience, they embody traditions passed down through time immemorial. As dusk settles upon Samburu lands, one initiate takes aim at a bird perched high above using only blunt arrows – showcasing not only his hunting skills but also the harmony between man and nature that defines their way of life.