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Kenya - Masai man with extended earlobe
Poster Prints from Mary Evans Picture Library
Kenya - Masai man with extended earlobe
Kenya - Masai man with extended earlobe ornament (weighed to increase the distension of the skin). Date: circa 1910s
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Media ID 7212267
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10418394
Blind Body Extended Human Masai Necklaces Oddity Transformation Tribesman Unusual Warrior
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1. Title: "A Masai Warrior's Transformation: The Extended Earlobe Tradition, Kenya, Circa 1910s" 2.. This photograph captures the image of a Masai man from Kenya, adorned with an extended earlobe ornament, a time-honored tradition among the Masai people. The Masai, an ethnic group inhabiting parts of Kenya and Tanzania, are renowned for their distinctive customs, including their elaborate beadwork and body modifications. The extended earlobes are a significant aspect of Masai culture, symbolizing wealth, status, and transformation. The earlobes are elongated by gradually adding weights, made from materials like clay beads or cowrie shells, to the earlobes, causing the skin to stretch and distend over time. This process begins in childhood and continues throughout a person's life, with the extent of the elongation reflecting their age and social standing. The Masai people have a rich and complex history, with their origins dating back to the 16th century. They are primarily pastoralists, relying on livestock for their livelihood. Their unique culture, which includes body modifications like extended earlobes and the wearing of necklaces, has remained largely unchanged for centuries, making them an intriguing and unusual sight for many. This photograph, taken in the 1910s, provides a glimpse into the past, offering a window into the traditions and customs of the Masai people. The man's expression, his proud posture, and the intricate beadwork adorning his body, all serve to highlight the deep connection between the Masai people and their heritage. The extended earlobes of the Masai man in this photograph are not just a physical transformation but a symbol of his identity, his history, and his place within his community. This image stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the resilience of the human spirit.
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