TITLE: The voice of ancestors in a forgotten world

The body paint connects him to the earth, to his community. The ritual reminds him of who he is. it shows the importance of tradition and spirituality in the life of the community. That spiruality is written on his body. The Nuba young men's body paintings are the echo of their ancestors. Their presence speaks of pride. The Nuba people are dancers, warriors, masters of resilience. They inhabit the Nuba mountains in the South Kordofan region of war-torn Sudan. A place that was completely cut off from the outside world, for decades. Amidst genocides, oppression and abysmal humanitarian conditions, they retained their distinct culture. They are one of the world's most captivating tribes with a deep connection to their homeland. After more than 60 years of total isolation, the silence around the Nuba begins to break.

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.