Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

Artist biography:

The Beckwith-Fisher images are the result of a long, enduring and deeply respectful relationship with African tribal peoples. This, combined with their photographic skills, creates an intimate portrayal of ceremonies long held secret that might have never been recorded. Their work preserves and presents the power, complexity and celebration found within the rituals of African tribal life.

Thirty years of work on the African continent have carried Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher across 270,000 miles and through remote corners of 40 countries in exploration of more than 150 African cultures. They have been granted unprecedented access to African tribal rites and rituals and continue to be honored worldwide for their powerful photographs documenting the traditional ceremonies of cultures thousands of years old. As an intrepid team of explorers, they are committed to preserving sacred tribal ceremonies and African cultural traditions all too vulnerable to the trends of modernity.

Artist Statement:
'Of all the pastoral people we've worked with, the Dinka remain closest to our hearts. They live in harmony with their land and animals and believe their cattle are the most beautiful in the world. At puberty a boy receives a namesake ox and believes that he and his animal are one. This animal accompanies him everywhere, even when he is courting young girls.'