Modern society imposes to us certain ways of living and technology has left a major stamp on it. It’s constantly changing and evolving and changes are pretty fast. Somehow in all that haste, we forgot our bond to nature. Yet, there are civilizations, living on planet Earth, who remained untouched by the influence of what we call modern society. These wild tribes live in close harmony with nature and they are guardians of traditions which are centuries old.
Before they pass away is a book of photographs by photographer Jimmy Nelson that showcases wild tribal cultures around the world. In the gallery below you can see a sneak peek in this fascinating book of incredible photos and stories. Portraits of tribal people in their most distinguished, authentic costumes reveal to us part of cultures that are in so many ways different than ours. Most of the wild tribes characterize simple life and great respect for nature. We hope it will be passed onto future generations in all its glory.
1. GOROKA TRIBE – one of the last wild tribes on earth
Location: Indonesia + Papua New Guinea; Photographed in 2011
Men go through great effort to impress the enemy with make-up and ornaments.
2. HULI TRIBE
Location: Indonesia + Papua New Guinea; Photographed in 2010
Huli people are famous for their tradition of making ornamented wigs from their own hair.
3. HIMBA TRIBE
Location: Namibia; Photographed in 2011
The headman, normally a grandfather, is responsible for the rules of the indigenous group.
4. KAZAKH TRIBE
Location: Mongolia; Photographed in 2011
The art of eagle hunting is one of many traditions and skills that the Kazakhs have been able to hold on to for the last decades.
5. ASARO TRIBE
Location: Indonesia + Papua New Guinea; Photographed in 2010
“Individually the people are all very sweet, but as their culture is being threatened they’re forced to stand up for themselves.” – Jimmy Nelson
6. CHINESE FISHING TRIBE
Location: Guangxi, China; Photographed in 2010
7. MAASAI TRIBE
Location: Kenya + Tanzania; Photographed in 2010
“Lions can run faster than us, but we can run farther”
8. NENETS TRIBE
Location: Siberia – Yamal; Photographed in 2011
“If you don’t drink warm blood and eat fresh meat, you are doomed to die on the tundra,” simple philosophy.
9. KOROWAI TRIBE
Location: Indonesia + Papua New Guinea; Photographed in 2010
10. YALI TRIBE
Location: Indonesia + Papua New Guinea; Photographed in 2010
11. Dassanech Tribe
Location Ethiopia. Anyone can be admitted to this tribe and it is not defined by ethnicity.
12. The Vanuatu tribe
Location Rah Lava Island, Torba Province.
13. Ladakhi Tribe
Location India. This is one of the most fascinating wild tribes living on earth today in the most harsh environment
14. Mursi Tribe
Location Ethiopia. ” It’s better to die than live without killing “. The Mursi tribe warriors are marked with horseshoe shaped scars on their bodies. The men are gashed on their right arms while the females are on the left arm. If you’re an exceptional warrior, you will also be gashed on your tights.
15. Rabari Tribe
Location India. The Rabari tribe have been walking the deserts of what is now western India for over 1,000 years. The women of the tribe spend most of their time with embroidery, crafting stunning textile tradition, the women also handle all money issues of the tribe while the men tend to the herds.
16. Samburu tribe
Located in Kenya and Tanzania this tribe has to relocate itself every 5 to 6 weeks to ensure their cattle is feed itself. They are very independent and free.
17. The Mustang Tribe
Located in Nepal. Most of the Mustang people actually belive that the world is flat, the religion is a huge part of their lives with prayers and festivals taking much of their lives. The tribe is in danger of disappearing and is one of the last truly Tibetan cultures in the world today. Until 1991 no one outside the tribe was allowed to enter Mustang.
18. The Maori Tribe
Located in New Zealand the Maori people are polytheist by nature, they worship many gods and spirits that they believe are always present and help the tribe in times of need.
If you enjoyed this article about the last wild tribes of our planet, please share with your friends
