April 26, 2022
By Raza Mehdi
The intriguing origin of the Maori people can be traced back to the 13th century, in the mythical homeland of Hawaiki. While Europeans had a profound impact on the Maori way of life, many aspects of their traditional society are still followed.
The Wodaabe tribe are nomadic people of the Sahel region in Africa. They are known for their elaborate attire. Here you can see a man celebrating Gerewol, a gathering where women choose their husbands.
The Langde Miao people are immediately recognisable by their extravagant silver jewellery. They believe that display of wealth and wearing silver protects them from evil spirits.
For at least a thousand years, the Amazon rainforest has been home to the Huaorani. Until 1956, they never had any contact with the outside world. They are outstanding hunters with a vast knowledge of animals, plants and trees.
Braving sub-zero conditions since primal existence, the Nenets of Arctic Russia have been known for their reindeer-herding practices. Today, gas exploration and climate change threaten their way of life.
One of the greatest warrior cultures in history, the Maasai took possession of the Rift Valley in Kenya after a series of conquests against the local tribes. Here you can see Masai warriors, who have an average height of 6 ft 3 inches, doing the traditional jump dance.
Women of the Kayan tribe wear rings around their necks to lengthen it as a symbol of beauty. Young girls begin to wear rings when they are five years old. Over the years, the coil is replaced by a longer one as more rings are added.
These semi-nomadic Turkic tribes have maintained their foothold over the valleys of Mongolia since the 19th century. Kazakhs are known for their prowess in the ancient art of eagle-hunting.
Legend has it that the Asaro hid in the river from their enemies. At dusk, the enemy saw them rise, covered in mud, and thought they were spirits. They still apply the mud masks as a traditional costume.
Brokpas live in Ladakh and are said to be from the ancient Indo-Aryan Dardic race. They are completely different from most other inhabitants in Ladakh, be it physically, culturally, linguistically or socially.
Mursi women are known all over the world for wearing plates on their lower lips. Most Mursi men are warriors and from an early age, boys are brought up to take pride in fighting.
The Bajau people can free-dive up to 20 metres deep. Known as ‘sea gipsies’, they spend most of their lives at sea. Reportedly they can hold their breath for up to 13 minutes during free dives!
A member of the Tambul tribe, adorned in an ornate headdress and striking yellow-red face paint, which is used to intimidate their enemies.
Q’ero people are widely regarded as the last living direct descendants of the ancient Incas, having survived the Spanish conquest by receding high into the mountains.
The Sentinelese are probably one of the most aggressive uncontacted tribes that exist. They inhabit North Sentinal Island, one of the Andaman Islands. They actively oppose all contact with foreigners. Here, a Sentinelese warrior with poisonous arrows is attacking a contact party.