Crossing over 30 countries, Jimmy Nelson has created a lifetime collection of photographs showcasing numerous tribes living in isolation from the world.
The cultural and ethnic diversity around the globe has always captivated those passionate about exploring history and traditions. To gain a clearer understanding of this diversity, professional photographer Jimmy Nelson traveled the world and produced a meaningful photo series titled “Before They Pass Away.”
In this project, the photographer captured images of over 30 unique tribes that live in seclusion from modern society, offering us the opportunity to explore the cultures of peoples residing in remote areas that are gradually disappearing due to societal development.
Jimmy Nelson with young members of the Goroka tribe at the border of Indonesia.
To authentically portray the tribe members, Jimmy dedicated two weeks to each tribe. He immersed himself in their ancient traditions, participated in their rituals, and documented everything in fascinating photographs. His images serve as a magazine of sorts, revealing intricate details about jewelry, hairstyles, and unique clothing, while also capturing the surrounding landscapes and the most significant cultural elements for each tribe, such as the horses of the Gauchos.
According to Nelson, his mission is to ensure that the world never forgets how things once were: “Most importantly, I want to create a visually ambitious photo series that can withstand the test of time. A work that will serve as an irreplaceable ethnographic record of a rapidly disappearing world.”
Kazakhstan, Mongolia
Huli, Indonesia – Papua New Guinea
Goroka, Indonesia – Papua New Guinea
Chukchi, Russia
Maori, New Zealand
Gauchos, Argentina
Samburu, Kenya
Mursi, Ethiopia
Drokpa, India
Karo, Ethiopia
