There’s no doubt that Jimmy Nelson’s portraits of indigenous peoples from around the world are beautiful. They’re exceptionally composed, and the diversity of faces, setting, and dress are stunning. Photographed over several years, the series includes some of the smallest and most remote indigenous groups on the planet, captured in their most ceremonial and impressive of dress. From Bhutan to Namibia to high in the Andes mountains, Nelson’s lens has documented some amazing cultural diversity, in a series he called “Before They Pass Away“. That title, and some of the staged setting caused controversy when Nelson’s book was released, claiming that he was glorifying a past era that no longer exists. Controversy aside, we find the images brave and important, capturing fragile cultures in pockets of the world that we rarely see. Via WBUR:
Huli Wigmen, Ambua Falls, Tari Valley Papua New Guinea, 2010Yang Shuo Cormorants, China, 2005Himba, Epupa falls, Namibia, 2014Khoyor Tolgoi Hill, Altan Tsogts County Bayan Ulgii Provence, Mongolia 2017Mount Bosavi waterfall, Papua New Guinea, 2017Likekaipia Tribe Ponowi Village, Jalibu Mountains, Western highlands Papua New Guinea, 2010Samburu tribe, KenyaMask dancers, Paro, Bhutan, 2016NI Vanuatu Men Rah Lava Island, Torba Province Vanuatu Islands, 2011Korcho Village, Omo valley Ethiopia, 2011Tangge Village, Upper Mustang Nepal, 2011Ndoto Mountain Range Kenya, 2010Paro Pass, Bhutan, 2016Miao Village, Liu Pan Shui, Gui zhou, China, 2016Lake Argentino / Cerro Christal on horizon Patagonia Argentina, 2011Perak women, Thikse Monastery, Ladakh India, 2012Uramana clan, Amuioan, Tufi, Papua New Guinea, 2017Ganges, Haridwar, IndiaVaioa River, Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, 2016Te Aroha Mikaka & Sky Bay of Islands, Haruru falls, North Island New Zealand, 2011Q’ero | Qochamoqo, Hatun Q’eros, Andes
