TITLE: hyena children

In Nigeria, especially in the northern parts of the country, the practice of taming and domesticating hyenas is quite common. These animals are captured into the wild and then trained and brought to urban areas for street performances. The men employ ancient magic and traditional practices to bring these wild animals under their control. It is a tradition passed down through generations, with children being exposed to the animals from a young age to build familiarity and eliminate fear.

AUTHOR: Philipp Schmieja (Germany)

Self-taught photographer and passionate traveler. I discovered my passion for photography during traveling African countries. I had developed a fascination for tribes. This has been underpinned by my passion for photography. Tribal people are those who have unique customs. They often have a symbiotic bond with the environments in which they live. I am using photography as a medium to capture candid moments as well as community spirit and portraits. And in that moment, through my lens, I am seeking to portray the soul of the places by blending intimate people photography with striking imagery of cultural heritage.