Powerful Portraits of Secluded Cultures on the Brink of Extinction

[n2doc]

Before They Pass Away is a powerful documentary series by photographer Jimmy Nelson featuring dozens of cultures around the world whose people live in seclusion and are at risk of fading away. Traveling across five continents, the English photographer manages to embrace the various cultures he has encountered and highlights each of the 35 tribes' unique beauty.

From Ethiopia and Nepal to Papua New Guinea and Siberia, Nelson exhibits a wide array of environments that these diverse tribes inhabit.The refreshing project goes beyond exhibiting humans across the globe, though, documenting their culturally rich lifestyles and appearances. Each community displays their own means of survival while retaining their distinct spirituality and exhibiting their diverse decorative adornments.

There is a very human appeal to viewing Nelson's series. Though modern civilizations are equipped with technology and an abundance of unnecessary possessions, the photographer digs deep into the remote tribes of the world, finding something far greater than gadgets and gizmos—a sense of humanity.

We were lucky enough to get in contact with the photographer and ask him a few questions. Jimmy kindly shares his insight and experiences with us, below.

more
http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/jimmy-nelson-before-they-pass-away

[DJ13]

1. Dont forget

Just kiddin, K&R!

[2naSalit]

2. Thanks for posting

This is also due to the capitalization and industrialization of the world. Any culture that isn't interested in participating on the new world order will be destroyed for being "insignificant" because it doesn't participate in the world economy... meaning not exploitable.

[xchrom]

3. du rec.

[bemildred]

4. We'll be hiring these guys as consultants in couple more decades. nt

[Scuba]

5. When cub reporters grow up!

Thanks for posting n2doc.

[dipsydoodle]

6. Rec.

.

[GreenStormCloud]

7. Some of the pictures have rifles, including genuine AK-47s.

They aren't that isolated.

[Arugula Latte]

8. Very amazing!

[GreenStormCloud]

9. How many here want to go live one of those lifestyles?

There is a strong tendency among progresives to romanticize backwards lifestyles and cultures. How many here would like to live, untlo you die, in one of those cultures?

Medical care is by the shaman chanting over you while wearing a fright mask.

No laws, no law enforcement. If you are victimized it is because you were too weak to stop it.

No rights for women.

No electricity, therefore no modern conveniences. No phone, no computer or internet, etc.

BTW - The Maori of New Zealand are NOT an isolated tribe. All of NZ was explored and contacted long ago.

[eppur_se_muova]

10. Also worded as, "Who wants to be a museum exhibit ?"

Each of these cultures may be unique and fascinating, but their own children are choosing other lifestyles; it is this more than anything else that threatens these cultures.

But to nitpick, this doesn't really have anything to do with these cultures being "backwards" -- just that there are other choices, and when free to choose, most don't choose tribal life.