esam hassanyeh

Esam Hassanyeh, Hamer Tribe, Lower Omo Valley, Ethiopia

Landile Dikara.

I was preparing to photograph other people when I noticed Landile standing in this position and watching me.

Whilst it seems an unnatural pose to us, many Hamer are able to twist and contort their bodies in unusual ways. This comes from spending so much time leaning against tree's or branches to shade themselves from the searing sun.

Over a period I observed many similar postures and noticed how supple the Hamer are and how men of all ages can stand in what we would consider feminine poses. But I came to realise that these positions are actually so comfortable and energy efficient in the hot and harsh environment in which Hamer live.

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Landile Dikara.<br />
<br />
I was preparing to photograph other people when I noticed Landile standing in this position and watching me.<br />
<br />
Whilst it seems an unnatural pose to us, many Hamer are able to twist and contort their bodies in unusual ways. This comes from spending so much time leaning against tree's or branches to shade themselves from the searing sun.<br />
<br />
Over a period I observed many similar postures and noticed how supple the Hamer are and how men of all ages can stand in what we would consider feminine poses. But I came to realise that these positions are actually so comfortable and energy efficient in the hot and harsh environment in which Hamer live.