Ethiopia: whipped Hamer woman Photo

Photographer’s Note

"Copyright © – Attila Szili.
The reproduction, publication, modification, transmission or exploitation of any work contained herein for any use, personal or commercial, without my prior written permission is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved."

This photo shows you that the ceremony I described previously is not a joke. It's an important tradition for this people and is not a kind of circus, it is celebrated with or without tourists. When you plan a trip to this area,you can't be sure to watch this ceremony because nobody knows in advance when and where it will be taken.The best thing is to plan to be present at the Hamar market on their market-day (which is well known and the day is always the same)to get infos about the next ceremony.
This photo could be cruel at first sight but these women are proud to be whipped and to have their body scarred this way.They're not obliged to suffer this.They decide,if want to be whipped,how many times to undergo and finally, they select the whipper.

barrufeto_77, cobraphil8, lestans, Angshu, marjan, alekpet, vagabondtravels, andante, Buin, pitai, papagolf21, berek, TeresaT, Emile, Paolo, Cricri, cjmm, leo61, HOBO, turkamerikali, ramesh_lalwani, riclopes, saamb, CRATEOS, P-S-I-G, axiotea, asanak, tjanze, coco, Mistral, branley, paura, Liekje, dragonslayero, Lore007, miroku2006, Emiel_Skyfreak, nbj, danos, SebastianSeng, Hellas, muzz, tasuray, omerozden, bAm, serp2000, sultana ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

jasmis (50715) 2006-03-29 6:47

Strong photo. Important theme. Extraordinary. Interesting note. Regards.

barrufeto_77 (25883) 2006-03-29 6:51

Hi Szili.

Impressive definition....when I' ve seen this back I've been astonished for a while. It's scary.

The colours are brilliant too.

Regards, Oscar

siloway (60) 2006-03-29 6:51

That is one raw ceremony ! Otherwise I like the skin tones and different shades of brown, very nice, the softness of the photo in general contrast with the violence of the subject too, disturbingly interesting.

rosaline (0) 2006-03-29 6:58

Hi Szili
This is brutal stuff, and done by consent!! A practice that many may find difficult to understand in a Western culture. The image is graphic and high impact. I couldn't look at it for too long though!
Cheers and TFS
Aubrey

lestans (15480) 2006-03-29 7:12

Foto fantastica e terribile, Attila. Una delle più interessanti che si siano viste su TE, indubbiamente. E perfetta tecnicamente, ma questo... neanche dire!
Certo deve essere stata un'esperienza impressionante assistere a questo rito.
Bravissimo!
Livia

marjan (6085) 2006-03-29 7:42

Hi, another fantastic shot. You have good eye for good and interesting details. Did you have some problems with makeing photograph?
Marjan

alekpet (4659) 2006-03-29 8:08

Hi Attila.
Very strong photo, I wondered how the women would look to this and than I read Nikki's comment.
I suppose all women and most of men will dissaprove such ceremony and I agree that it is too hard, but it's what their culture is and that is precisely what you've shown here. The photo has strong impact and it's a quality photo.

take care, Aleks

fayeulle (26543) 2006-03-29 8:31

Hi Attila
It just look like very hard BDSM ! Beuurk !!!
Just imaging this make me close my eyes...
Impressive and ricidulous traditions for me.
Very interresting shot for TE, but I don't want to put a print of it on my walls
Cheers
JP

vagabondtravels (6115) 2006-03-29 8:56

Wow great image. Very unique!

Gerrit (35965) 2006-03-29 9:00

HI Attila,
People are weird, all over the world. But when people are willing to do something we got to respect that.
Thanks for the interesting pictiures and notes.
Gerrit

gaby (19793) 2006-03-29 9:18

Attila bonjour - strong and intense shot - very hight technical quality and superb colors - I like the compo -
Thanks
Rgs
Gaby

gilou530 (35434) 2006-03-29 10:00

hello szili
it's a hard picture of this women, the clarity is very good and the framing too much, this ceremony is cruel. good job
amitiés
gilbert

andante (7092) 2006-03-29 10:34

I'm out of words... this image goes beyond photographic quality... is about documenting human live as a way complete alien for us in the Western world. Thanks for sharing!

Buin (37988) 2006-03-29 10:41

Hallo Attila!
Thank you for showing this strange, and at the first glance cruel, custom, but by help of your note you can understand this a little bit better, although understand ...
Nevertheless - an interesting, impressing and colourful photo corresponding to the sense of TE.
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

sufi (9568) 2006-03-29 10:47

Hi Attila..
It's a interesting ceremony and great shot, my friend... Perfect moment and composition as usual...
TFS...
Stay well..
Salim.
PS: Thank you very much for your comment on Solar Eclipse

markstaples (15670) 2006-03-29 12:12

OUCH! How cultures differ. This picture and note are an excellent insight into this culture. As far as the quality of the image is concerned, excellent as usual and thanks for sharing.
Mark

pitai (3925) 2006-03-29 13:48

Szili,
I am really impress with this composition. I won't even try to understand why some people may want to that. But, as you said it must be tradition. You choose a very tide frame, that highlights the body of the woman.

The image is very clear and sharp. Very good note. too!! TFS. Gabriel

BrianGraney (1734) 2006-03-29 17:22

Probably what TrekEarth is all about.
Strong images, insight into different cultures and places, and a note that puts it all into context.
Lovely clear image, but I'm not too sure of the DOF here - she looks too far removed from the background - as though she's in a studio. Was this done PP or is it purely the large aperture?
best wishes
Brian

TeresaT (10733) 2006-03-29 17:55

Hi Attila
Impressive shot.
Hi get a little shocked but the image is perfect.
The details on the back of the woman are amazing.
regards
Teresa

papagolf21 (56483) 2006-03-30 3:37

Bonsoir Attila,
L'image est difficile à regarder, mais je ne pense pas qu'elle soit là pour le tourisme.
Il faut parfois montrer pour comprendre certains usages qui remontent d'un autre âge.
Publier cette photo ne devait pas être facile. Merci pour votre courage.
Amitiés.
Philippe

berek (28951) 2006-03-30 3:41

Hello Szili,
I just say incredible. I influenced. Congratulations.
good evening.
B.Erek
Meaning ( Sense ) 10,Framing:10,Idea :10

Paolo (40741) 2006-03-30 3:51

Ciao Attila, bella foto, da National Geographic!
ottimo fuoco, colori molto forti e stupendo background coloratissimo.
ottima e interessante nota.
grazie, ciao.

p.s.
complimenti per il tuo Italiano perfetto!

MiriamVolpiceli (360) 2006-03-30 4:22 [Comment]

Show Comment

pastadog (12821) 2006-03-30 7:55

Hi Attila, both the technical and emotional aspects of this great shot are stunning. Superb DOF, colors. Great document of this unknown and shocking tradition. Regards, Daniel

Cricri (43360) 2006-03-30 8:44

Bonjour Szili,
Une image dur, même si c'est diffiçile de le consevoir,
ont ne peut aller contre les traditions, Bon DOF et couleurs, Bravo pour ton courage.
Amitiés
cricri

Fis2 (46083) 2006-03-30 12:07

Witaj Attila!
No coment... Photo is good. I like the colours, contrast and depth. Curious ceremony.
Regards
Krzysztof

leo61 (43448) 2006-03-30 16:35

Hi Attila!
Verry strong image.Unbelivable for us europeans.With your last ,and this shot you present me yet unknown rituals of a forreign culture.Better than every enceclopedia.That`s what I like at TE.
Everything is perfect in your foto.
Thanks and regards,
LEO

HOBO (5244) 2006-03-30 18:56

Servus Attila,
different contries, different habits... freely translated from a german saying.
From the traces left, it had been done several times.
Well, "Learning about the world through photography"; really made after the motto of TE; very sharp and perfect colors. I remember my father wearing scars proudly from his students time, left from sabre cuts...
Regards
Knut

Angshu (33891) 2006-03-30 22:38

Hi Attila
Gruesome picture..but that's how customs vary from country to country. What's acceptable in one place may not be in another. Your photograph is superb..nice colours, clarity & crisp & smooth. Good use of DOF.Your note as ususal is very informative
Regards
Angshu

Emile (20037) 2006-03-30 23:13

Hola Szili.
This is difficult to believe but true, this picture show us the implication of cruelty because their traditions, there are not obliged to do it. Your picture is very good, great sharpness and superb details. Very well done and thank you for sharing

turkamerikali (4772) 2006-03-30 23:13

Greetings from Turkey my friend,
Excellent cultural photo Attila.
Excellent skin tone,softness,sharpness,dof,pov,colors,details,lighting and note.Well Done.TFS
Tolga of Chicago
PS.I just came Turkey yesterday and heading Ephesus ın 2 hrs:)

ramesh_lalwani (3209) 2006-03-31 2:08

Hi attila
This photo give creeps to see traditions in Ethiopia.I am surprised to learn that the whipped women feel proud.Thanks for sharing information.
Ramesh

Graal (58319) 2006-03-31 3:33

Jó napot Attila,
very interesting, good quality of photo. I like it as friends. Well done.
Rgs, Aleksander

jhm (82909) 2006-03-31 5:58

Hi Szili,
It's a very difficult moment for my look to this strong picture, but there a reallity, I happy read your note, they're not obliged to suffer this.
Proud with much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a nice weekend,
John.

riclopes (33055) 2006-03-31 8:29

Hi Atus,
This is an extraordinary reportage that you are showing us, with the quality of the National Geographic. This shot is quite impressive and with an excelent quality result. Congratulations for the work on this series and thanks a lot for sharing!
Have a nice weekend,
Ricardo

cjmm (4019) 2006-03-31 10:27

Ciao Attila,

Wow, this is tough... but amazing all the same.

The image itself is brilliant, but I specially appreciate the approach to this practice that you make on the note, with absolute respect for diversity. Complimenti!!!

Best regards, saludos,
Carlos

saamb (1004) 2006-04-01 6:58

Szili,
very nice shot with good details, but i like to see woman face. i think her face show their "proud" prettily. very thanks for useful note.
SAAM

CRATEOS (7274) 2006-04-01 13:19

The Marcise De Sant will be loved this place for vacetions!!!Great reportage my frend...great jumb!!! GNGRS Nikiforos

P-S-I-G (24482) 2006-04-02 3:59

Hello Attila,
Great and strong shot. Very impressive ceremony.
Very good testimony.
Best regards,
Fabrice

axiotea (16181) 2006-04-03 13:54

hi, very beautiful and interesting photo...well done! marilyn

CliffW (2310) 2006-04-03 23:09

While not an attractive sight, and without any particular criticisms of the technical merit, which is good, I just wanted to add one thing. This shot to me is one of the most relevant and rare shots I've ever seen on TrekEarth, for straight-up and hard to find information about the world. Thanks for being there to take it.

imrek (4) 2006-04-05 13:23

Hi Attila,
very interesting reportage photo, with good compo and excellent colours! Well done!!!
regards,
imre

elmec (12194) 2006-04-10 17:17

Hello Szili!
This photo is so hard!
It's so brutal ceremony - unbelievelable for us!
Thank You for sharing
Regards!

anavazao (5592) 2006-04-11 11:21

Hi,
great note!
wow it is a very chocking photo!
Good composition, details, colours!
:) tomorrow
Thanks Ana:)

zou (221) 2006-04-25 17:37

waw very nice pic, very clear and skin is clean

perfect :)

tjanze (5674) 2006-05-11 8:58

Hi Szili!
I didn`t know for ceremony like this.Jeeez,that must be huge pain.Good portrait,colors and composition.Very educational photo.

nika (0) 2006-05-23 10:38

Szia Attila!!

Nagyon erdekes mind a kep, mindaz amit a ceremoniarol meselsz. Hihetetlen szerencses vagy, hogy ilyen esemenyeken resztvehettel es egesz kozelrol keszithettel fotokat!! A kepedet eltudnam kepzelni egy ujsag cimlapjan!! Koszonom!
puszi,
Anette

coco (27962) 2006-05-24 17:43

Hi Szili.
Almost 3100 visits to the photo in only two months.
This photo really is a hit.
Why?
Technically is not a great photo (is not bad... even is good, but is not the reason of this succesful). The reason of this succesful is what we can see in the photo.

In some way, this is TE.

Thanks for share.

Mistral (13700) 2006-07-11 16:58

Ciao Attila,
immagine d'impatto con una interessantissima nota.
Complimenti.
Un sorriso
Luca

PS: aspetto altre foto dell'Asia Centrale... :-)

branley (3681) 2006-07-23 15:13

Hi Szili,

this is an incredible image, the light and colours are fantastic and your notes are absorbing. A really great photograph.

Regards

Stephen

paura (38784) 2006-08-11 19:02

Attila,
This is really a very nice and impressive pic.

Well done!

Paulo

dragonslayero (3108) 2006-08-13 9:33

Hello Szili

Looks very cruel indeed.
But many traditions around the world look cruel so why should this be considered different?
Nice framing and good sharp colours.
Thank you for sharing.

Odd Jarle

nbj (1871) 2006-11-29 13:24

Hi Attila,

Alas, the South is one of the things we missed out on on the recent trip to Ethiopia, but great to see this beaqutiful image! The motif is great in itself, but also really sharp, well composed, well focused, and I really like the way you cannot see the womans face.

Take care,

Nana

danos (32852) 2007-02-17 4:24

Hi Atus,
strong and intense shot for our civilization but as you wrote in your informative note these women are proud to be whipped.Impressing and colourful photo that highlights the body of the woman,with great sharpness and superb details.
Regards,Danos

Hellas (5145) 2007-02-23 6:06

Very strong photo and sharp, indeed.

TFS.
Athanasios

MmK (79) 2007-04-09 8:09

hi,
interesting and imressive shot..
Thanks for sharing and explanations..

Regards,

Mustafa

Bruno40 (6442) 2007-07-17 5:24

Hi Attila,
Your gallery doesn't stop to fascinate me.
What a photo, great details and sharpness. Very interesting note.
Really TFS
Jorge
PS: personal question is your name common in Hungary?

bateau-ivre (0) 2007-10-31 16:00

Please, look at her shoulders. She is proud of her marks. What a strong feeling I'm feeling looking at her. Because she is carying her marks like an ornament, like a decoration. When I see woman like this one I understand we are powerful. Human being can stand whatever. Women and Men. What a real shot. Something extremely real. In a world becoming more and more fake.
Great,
Oscar

serp2000 (9629) 2009-07-02 6:18

Privet, Atilla,
Excellent shot! Very interesting note!
Very impressive view of body!
Serghei

sultana (1372) 2009-07-02 6:37