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I Travelled 40,000 Km Across Siberia To Photograph Its Indigenous People. One Year Later Here’s The Result
Hi! My name is Alexander Khimushin. Nine years ago I packed my backpack to see the world and have been globe-trotting ever since visited 85 countries. While world traveling, I realized that people are the most amazing part of it.
Three and a half years ago I came up with an idea of the photo series 'The World In Faces' that would celebrate the beauty and diversity of the world through the portraits of ordinary people. Especially from those remote places, where culture and traditions are still alive. Since then I have taken thousands of travel photography shots all over the world. For almost a year I have been photographing indigenous people of Siberia and Mongolia.
An enormous region, almost double the size of Australia and 30% larger than the United States, Canada, or the whole of Europe. Siberia is one of the world’s last frontiers of the unknown. No doubt, everyone heard that it is very cold and sparsely populated, but what do we know about the Siberian people living there?
To find out, I was driving behind an SUV wheel alone, covering around 40,000 km, and visited many remote locations across Siberia: from lake Baikal shores to the coast of Japan sea, from endless steppes of Mongolia to the coldest place on Earth - Yakutia. All with only one mission - to capture the faces and traditions of various groups of indigenous people living there in my interesting photos. While some of the ethnic groups are dominant in their regions, many others are on the edge of disappearance, with a total population as low as only a hundred people left. Until now they remain largely unknown to the outside world.
You have probably seen already the first part of my portrait photography series from Siberia. Here is the second. More to come.
More info: khimushin.com | Facebook | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Even Little Girl
Final score:
176points
Marie-Eve Barette 7 years ago
The workmanship that went into making her clothes is absolutely unbelievable.
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
Very much so. These are probably the best things she owns. The workmanship is gorgeous.
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RELATED:
#2
Sakha Young Woman
Final score:
169points
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
The beadwork and detail on her outer garments, and her jewelry! What craftsmanship!
#3
Dukha Woman
Final score:
149points
Florence Hastings 7 years ago
Just gos to show you, smoking adds years to your looks (she’s only 40)!
#4
Even Young Woman
Final score:
137points
EnderEevee 42 7 years ago
Everyone here has stunning eyes, never the exact same shade or size, it's so exquisite
#5
Ulchi Little Girl
Final score:
128points
Marie-Eve Barette 7 years ago
So much time, workmanship and love were put into making this outfit, it's mindblowing!
Shruti Naik 7 years ago
oh she's cute! she looks like she's dressed up for a performance in school!
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
I'm floored by the level of craftsmanship and artistry in what she's wearing. Gorgeous!
#7
Buryat Young Woman
Final score:
123points
#8
Uilta Girl
Final score:
111points
Misha Yakovlev 5 years ago
You think Gazprom churning out smoke and spilling oil all over Siberia has not affected indigenous lifestyles? Or, maybe the Chukcha people are happy that their traditional lands are full of huge open-mines for digging up gold? I bet Nenets in Yamal are also loving the fact that all their reindeer hurling routes have been disrupted by new gaze plants for Nord Stream 2.
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#9
Sakha Young Woman
Final score:
100points
Veronika Possek 7 years ago
I don't know definitely, but considering Siberia's climate, I would guess this is a ceremonial variant of a traditional winter mask covering nose and mouth so you do not freezeburn your nasal passages when you breathe in. Would also keep the face warm, like a ski mask.
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#10
Yukagir Man
Final score:
93points
Norma Brown 7 years ago
these faces look very much like those of American Indians, which is no surprise since the American tribes migrated to this continent from Siberia.
Terry Sanders 7 years ago
I would like to know if this is a Siberian version of photographic series of indigenous people, for instance American Indians, who have ceremonial dress but in daily life dress exactly as the rest of us do.
Misha Yakovlev 5 years ago
I can't answer fully, but most Siberian groups have been forced to settle in cities/villages. There are a number of groups that continue their traditional lifestyle and dress in traditional dress, like the Nenets, some Yupik and Chukcha, etc. There is a caveat it, though, only really old people wear fully traditional dress. Most people would have factory-produced thermals, underwear, etc.
Load More Replies... #11
Dolgan Young Woman
Final score:
84points
Tamara Syrkina 7 years ago
Александр, вы своим талантом преображаете людей, видите в них всю красоту и очарование. Спасибо вам!
#12
Evenki Reindeer Herder
Final score:
77points
Lisa Greene 7 years ago
Love these... i had a chance to meet some of the Sami people. The reindeer that they herd, use for food and clothing, and transportation are amazing animals. Their relationship with the reindeer and the environment is beautiful.
Monika Soffronow 7 years ago
The Evenks are a Tungusic people of Northern Asia. The Sami people are a Finno-Ugric people inhabiting Sápmi, which today encompasses large parts of Norway and Sweden, northern parts of Finland, and the Murmansk Oblast of Russia.
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Valerie Davis 7 years ago
Wow, when they are young...they're absolutly beautiful...but they live such a harsh life...it shows with every line on their face & hands !
Jeff Jackson 7 years ago
Alexander - any chance you be interested in allowing this photo to be used as a stock photo?
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
I love the use of shaped pieces of fur in the coat and mittens for designs and patterns. Lovely.
#13
Buryat Man
Final score:
77points
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
He's a man of status in the community. If nothing else, you can tell from his boots. You have to be Someone to wear boots with that level of detailing. I'd love a pair of boots crafted by whoever made those, by the way. They're absolutely gorgeous. Everything he's wearing is gorgeous.
#14
Chukchi Girl
Final score:
74points
Denise Falkenstein 7 years ago
Is there any notice of how these garments are made? Think of thousands of hours preparations, then painstakingly sewing them together, and lastly, the embellishments. Just wow.
Sandra 7 years ago
I imagine they have plenty of hours to fill when they are not on their computers and snapping selfies for twitter... Think of the generations of talent that is represented in their clothing, the techniques and the symbolism. Awesome.
Load More Replies... Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
Love the beading and details on the dress; love the use of fur strips; the beaded headpiece is lovely. She looks fabulous.
ChickyChicky 7 years ago
This looks like a painting. Im trying to decide if the photo processing is beautiful or distracting.
#15
Negidal Girl
Final score:
74points
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
Gorgeous beading and embroidery! Love the way the colors are combined and used.
#16
Evenki Woman
Final score:
72points
Angela Risk 7 years ago
There is real mirth in her eyes, I love this picture. You know this lady would be fun at parties!
Load More Replies... ChickyChicky 7 years ago
She looks slightly like my grandmother, her expression. My grandma passed away in 2010.
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
Holy smokes, the beading! GORGEOUS! I'd bet she's someone higher ranking in the community. Love her expression.
#17
Evenki Man
Final score:
71points
#18
Udege Woman With Child
Final score:
68points
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
Love the embroidered detail on what she's wearing. Great colors! Kiddo looks like, "What's going on here?" ;)
Beverly Palmacci 7 years ago
Lovely outfit, but unfortunately the hat immediately reminded me of the Ku Klux Klan.
#19
Tofalar Boy
Final score:
67points
#20
Taz Woman
Final score:
67points
Ulrika Tück de Mantel 7 years ago
look at her hands. they tell of a life with a lot and hard work.
Gedeon Trias 7 years ago
"What a beautiful composition...." I second that, Sandra. And looks like it's all natural light!
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#21
Semeiskie Woman
Final score:
65points
Grazina Strolia 7 years ago
When I'm old, I want to dress like that: great ropes of amber around my neck, colors to wake the dead, and the jeweled crown to my own personal queendom. YAASS.
Qwertykeala 7 years ago
She’s looks different than the rest.. I don’t know in what way.. just different..
#22
Russkoustincy Woman
Final score:
64points
John Doe 7 years ago
She must've been a real beauty when she was young, actually she still is!
Kero Tazawa 3 years ago
That's the first thing i thought when i see the pic
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#23
Sakha Young Man
Final score:
63points
#24
Nivkh Man
Final score:
62points
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
The detailing on the trim of his coat and the fabric and trim of the hat is lovely.
#25
Nanai Man
Final score:
60points
Aunt Messy 7 years ago
The embroidery reminds me of Metis designs on ceremonial clothing. Gorgeous.
Vickie Kelley 7 years ago
The cold called teeth! Wonder how where he got that done!
Load More Replies... Anita Trenner 7 years ago
He must be wealthy. Imagine how far he probably has to travel to have his dentistry done!
#26
Nanai Boy
Final score:
58points
#27
Ulchi Man
Final score:
57points
Monika Soffronow 7 years ago
It certainly looks like it. www.theguardian.com/fashion/2015/jun/03/fish-skin-leather-clothes-smell , yupikscience.org/5fishcamp/5-2.html , youtube.com/watch?v=eRcXZZYQuS0
Load More Replies... #28
Udege Man
Final score:
55points
Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
You think whoever made his shirt had fun deciding what colors to use?
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#30
Orochi Woman
Final score:
47points
Tamara Syrkina 7 years ago
Только в вашем портретном ряду хорошо просматривается их различие ( при кажущемся неопытному глазу сходстве),великолепие праздничной одежды. Вы делаете это необычный цикл портретов( так и хочется сказать- картин) важный не только для нас, но и самих участников проекта.
Joanne Hudson 7 years ago
Translated from Russian - Only in your portrait row one can clearly see their difference (with a similarity to the inexperienced eye), the splendor of festive clothing. You are doing this unusual cycle of portraits (and I want to say, pictures) important not only for us, but also for the participants in the project.
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Cheryl Hopper 7 years ago
Gorgeous. That blue looks great on her, and love the colors in the trim.
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What do you think ?
Lisa Greene 7 years ago
These are beautiful, thank you for sharing them! I love their faces, and especially the beautiful work that goes into their garb. Just amazing...
Marie-Eve Barette 7 years ago
Exactly my thought. These people seem to put so much time, care and effort into what they do, it feels like the opposite of our lives in big industrial cities, where we run everywhere to go nowhere.
Load More Replies... Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you for saying this John. I work on this project for almost 4 years in remote places with not much comfort and harsh living conditions. It is very important to know that there are people out there who value what I do. THank you
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judit vagnoni 7 years ago
The diversity of World is ¡¡¡ wonderful!!, many,many colours, many, many faces,,,many,many opcions. Thanks for your splendid job. Congratulationes
Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you Judit! It was very challenging to travel in those cold and remote places as there are sometimes just a dirt track and not a soul for hundred miles around. I will be continuing my journey in 2 weeks, this time to Arctic, above the polar circle area reachable by a helicopter only. More portraits to come. Stay tuned
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Sheila Plourde 7 years ago
Beautiful. Aweinspiring. Am lost for words. Such feelings and thoughts.
Deborah Gladys 7 years ago
Thank you for sharing your stunning photographs. I truly hope that these native peoples continue to keep the traditions of their tribes alive. So much tradition has disappeared into modern times. There is so much steeped in tradition.
Luis Rivera 7 years ago
Wow! Outstanding and beautiful work! All of the portraits are gorgeous! I’m a fan now.
Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
HI Luis! Thank you for the appreciation of my work! I will be publishing more portraits from other regions as well. Stay in touch!
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Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
Hi Johanna! He was a great photographer of his time. Thank you!
Load More Replies... Lisa Greene 7 years ago
These are beautiful, thank you for sharing them! I love their faces, and especially the beautiful work that goes into their garb. Just amazing...
Marie-Eve Barette 7 years ago
Exactly my thought. These people seem to put so much time, care and effort into what they do, it feels like the opposite of our lives in big industrial cities, where we run everywhere to go nowhere.
Load More Replies... Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you for saying this John. I work on this project for almost 4 years in remote places with not much comfort and harsh living conditions. It is very important to know that there are people out there who value what I do. THank you
Load More Replies... judit vagnoni 7 years ago
The diversity of World is ¡¡¡ wonderful!!, many,many colours, many, many faces,,,many,many opcions. Thanks for your splendid job. Congratulationes
Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
Thank you Judit! It was very challenging to travel in those cold and remote places as there are sometimes just a dirt track and not a soul for hundred miles around. I will be continuing my journey in 2 weeks, this time to Arctic, above the polar circle area reachable by a helicopter only. More portraits to come. Stay tuned
Load More Replies... Sheila Plourde 7 years ago
Beautiful. Aweinspiring. Am lost for words. Such feelings and thoughts.
Deborah Gladys 7 years ago
Thank you for sharing your stunning photographs. I truly hope that these native peoples continue to keep the traditions of their tribes alive. So much tradition has disappeared into modern times. There is so much steeped in tradition.
Luis Rivera 7 years ago
Wow! Outstanding and beautiful work! All of the portraits are gorgeous! I’m a fan now.
Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
HI Luis! Thank you for the appreciation of my work! I will be publishing more portraits from other regions as well. Stay in touch!
Load More Replies... Alexander Khimushin (Post author) 7 years ago
Hi Johanna! He was a great photographer of his time. Thank you!
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