Years ago, we first laid our eyes on the stunning photographs that Jimmy Nelson published in his book “Before They Pass Away” that gave us a look at over 30 vanishing native tribes from all around the globe. From Mongolian to Indian tribes, Jimmy spent weeks with each group to learn their culture, capture it from his point of view and collect interesting facts.
In 2018, Nelson published his second major project titled “Homage to Humanity.” He visited 34 isolated tribes in five continents, revisiting some from his previous journey. While his first book was a collection of pictures, this time the photographer decided to expand and added travel journals, maps, local facts, and personal interviews, shifting the focus of his story from the objects he captures to the journey itself.
“When I was 17, I started a journey, and it’s still the journey that I’m on today,” Nelson said. “It’s about reconnecting and finding myself. I’ve dressed it and disguised it with photography and tribes and indigenous cultures, but ultimately it’s a very personal journey of wanting to feel and survive and be alive.”
In his work, Jimmy explores the idea of reconnecting to our roots and our humanity, and he believes that indigenous people play an important role in our perception of ourselves as human beings. That’s why he’s inviting everyone to join the global discussion on cultural identity. The more you know about the world around you, the easier it is to accept and appreciate it.
In a couple of weeks, Jimmy Nelson is planning to release a movie featuring 1500 photographs, “all stitched together into one amazing journey across the cradle of human culture.”
More info: jimmynelson.com
#1 Hakamou’i, Ua Pou, Marguesas Islands, French Polynesia
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#2 Yang Shuo Cormorants, China
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#3 Samburu Tribe, Kenya
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#4 Mask Dancers, Paro, Bhutan
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#5 Perak Women, Thikse Monastery, Ladakh, India
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#6 Vaioa River, Atuona, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#7 Khoyor Tolgoi Hill, Altan Tsogts County Bayan Ulgii Provence, Mongolia
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#8 Huli Wigmen, Ambua Falls, Tari Valley, Papua New Guinea
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#9 Ni Vanuatu Men Rah Lava Island, Torba Province Vanuatu Islands
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#10 Tarangire, Rift Escarpment, Tanzania
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#11 Ganges, Haridwar, India
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#12 Ndoto Mountain Range, Kenya
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#13 Angge Village, Upper Mustang Nepal
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#14 Te Aroha Mikaka & Sky Bay Of Islands, Haruru Falls, North Island, New Zealand
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#15 Likekaipia Tribe Ponowi Village, Jalibu Mountains, Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#16 Uramana Clan, Amuioan, Tufi, Papua New Guinea
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#17 Miao Village, Liu Pan Shui, Gui Zhou, China
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#18 Paro Pass, Bhutan
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#19 Mount Bosavi Waterfall, Papua New Guinea
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#20 Korcho Village, Omo Valley, Ethiopia
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
#21 Lake Argentino / Cerro Christal On Horizon Patagonia, Argentina
Image source: Jimmy Nelson
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