Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

I’ve Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa
User submission
2.1K

I’ve Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

ADVERTISEMENT

I made this report with my Hasselblad, I used Kodak Tri-X Black & White film. I wanted to be as close as possible to my subject without the constraints of digital photography.

On the spot, people considered me as “Mr. Photographer” because the villagers couldn’t see the picture on my camera!

The scarification of human skin is a longstanding practice that has played a significant role in cultural consciousness and community-building. Although it has its origins as a practice among Australian Aborigines dating back to 60 000 B.C, elements of scarification were dispersed and adopted by many communities worldwide, persisting up until today. The procedural basis of scarification involves producing a scar that follows the complex biological process of wound healing.

More info: clajot.photoshelter.com

RELATED:

    Thomas, Betamaribe

    Family is waiting before the ceremony

    Grandpa waiting for the master of ceremonies

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Small scar on the arm

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Hand with tools

    The ceremony

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The child is washed after the ceremony

    Belly with scarification

    On the walls, the same marks

    A fishmonger with her scars on her face

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Street of Cotonou

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Child in the house

    2Kviews

    Share on Facebook
    Jean-Michel Clajot

    Jean-Michel Clajot

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Jean-Michel Clajot (b. 1971) is an independent documentary photographer. For nearly 20 years, he has focused on intimate stories about African and Asian families and subcultures. His story on the LadyBoy, Born to be a Woman, was awarded the 2011 Pride Photo Award for documentary. As of July 2006, He joined Cosmos Photo Agency (Paris) as a represented photographer, to focus on a combination of long-term personal projects.

    Read less »
    Jean-Michel Clajot

    Jean-Michel Clajot

    Author, Community member

    Jean-Michel Clajot (b. 1971) is an independent documentary photographer. For nearly 20 years, he has focused on intimate stories about African and Asian families and subcultures. His story on the LadyBoy, Born to be a Woman, was awarded the 2011 Pride Photo Award for documentary. As of July 2006, He joined Cosmos Photo Agency (Paris) as a represented photographer, to focus on a combination of long-term personal projects.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Full Name
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That must've been crazy to witness. Good stuff. On a side note, I have to call out "I wanted to be as close as possible to my subject without the constraints of digital photography". That's ridiculous. There is literally nothing constraining about digital vs film. The only thing film has over digital is highlight recovery but the opposite is true of digital so it's a wash. Just let your work speak for itself without statements about your Hassy and hipster film. I suppose you only listen to your music on vinyl as well while drinking craft beer?

    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for your very relevant comment, it was very constructive and interesting. Thank you, thanks to you, we're moving forward.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    Full Name
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That must've been crazy to witness. Good stuff. On a side note, I have to call out "I wanted to be as close as possible to my subject without the constraints of digital photography". That's ridiculous. There is literally nothing constraining about digital vs film. The only thing film has over digital is highlight recovery but the opposite is true of digital so it's a wash. Just let your work speak for itself without statements about your Hassy and hipster film. I suppose you only listen to your music on vinyl as well while drinking craft beer?

    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thank you for your very relevant comment, it was very constructive and interesting. Thank you, thanks to you, we're moving forward.

    Load More Replies...
    Load More Comments
    You May Like
    Related on Bored Panda
    Related on Bored Panda
    Trending on Bored Panda
    Also on Bored Panda