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I’ve Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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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

Thomas, Betamaribe

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

Family is waiting before the ceremony

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

Grandpa waiting for the master of ceremonies

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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Small scar on the arm

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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Hand with tools

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

The ceremony

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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The child is washed after the ceremony

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

Belly with scarification

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

On the walls, the same marks

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

A fishmonger with her scars on her face

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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Street of Cotonou

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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Child in the house

I've Seen The Ceremony Of Scarification In Africa

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Jean-Michel Clajot

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.

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 ?

Kazó-Horváth Dóra 5 years ago

Great work.

0points

Full Name 5 years ago

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?

0points

Jean-Michel Clajot (Post author) 5 years ago

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

0points

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Jean-Michel Clajot (Post author) 5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Jean-Michel Clajot (Post author) 5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Joris Hermans 6 years ago

Great work! (From a fellow photographer)

0points

Renae Hislop 6 years ago

Really something special and beautiful well done

0points

Kazó-Horváth Dóra 5 years ago

Great work.

0points

Full Name 5 years ago

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?

0points

Jean-Michel Clajot (Post author) 5 years ago

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

0points

Load More Replies...

Jean-Michel Clajot (Post author) 5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Jean-Michel Clajot (Post author) 5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

0points

Joris Hermans 6 years ago

Great work! (From a fellow photographer)

0points

Renae Hislop 6 years ago

Really something special and beautiful well done

0points

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