No Turning Back: Documenting The Traditional Customs Of Kenya's Rapidly Evolving Tribes

By Shannon Lane @Shannonroselane

WHILST technology continues to develop at a remarkable speed, the tribespeople of some of Kenya’s remotest parts are also learning to adapt to the modern world

Scroll down for the full story

Comments

Photographer Neil Thomas travelled across the rough terrain to meet the tribespeople

There are approximately 50 tribes in Kenya, and the effects of modern civilisation, education and technology are leading to the disappearance of some of their deep–rooted customs as they adopt a more Western lifestyle.

His portraits are taken of various tribes throughout Kenya

Photographer Neil Thomas is dedicated to documenting their traditional ways of life and culture before it’s too late, through his artistic portraits.

He said: “Because I am born and raised in Kenya, I feel I am uniquely placed to observe evolution of some of the remote tribes in the region.

The photographer hopes to document the dying traditions for future generations

Neil Thomas takes studio lighting along with him for his photographic portraits

“I believe much of the culture and traditional ways of dressing will be lost very soon, so I feel it’s my duty to document it for future generations.”

Due to the remote locations of some of the East African tribes, their technological development has been much slower than the industrialised countries.

The beautiful Kenyan landscapes are also captured in his artistic portraits

Surprisingly however, elements of 21st century society are starting to creep into these secluded civilisations.

The photographer said: “Because these places are hard to reach, they often have people that are rarely visited and haven’t been changed that much by modernity. It is these people who fascinate me.

Neil Thomas said: "What I enjoy most is the sharing of ideas and experiences and being in nature."

“Although having said that, I’ve seen a very rapid change, especially in the last 5-10 years.

“Some time ago, I met a Turkana tribesman on the road who was totally naked but had a mobile phone on a string hanging around his neck! It was then that I knew things were going to change fast."

The photographer is documenting the tribespeople's traditional garments

Through his travels meeting the Kenyan tribespeople in his portraits, Neil Thomas has been introduced to many aspects of their culture.

Their traditional way of life also highlights how the Western world take modern luxuries for granted.

Many tribes still wear their native clothing and hold traditional ceremonies

He said: “There is a special kind of wisdom there, particularly to do with their relationship to nature, as they know where to find food and water in these harsh environments.

“They also understand the behavior of the seasons, traditional medicines from local flora and have lived and continue to live in harmony with wild animals.

Neil Thomas met many individual from various tribes across rural Kenya

Neil added: “I feel we have so much to learn from people who live so closely with the land and who understand it so well. I don't think a westerner would be able to survive in northern Kenya, for example, for more than a few days!