Dreamland: Forgotten Fashion Of Far Off Cultures

The Ladakhi of India photographed by Jimmy Nelson

Check out these stunning portraits of tribal cultures from all over the world that still exist today by Jimmy Nelson. From taiga and tundra to prairie and grassland, mountain and valley to stark desert and jungle falls. They provide a snapshot of secluded and unique cultures, relatively unspoiled even today. These evocative photos portray the exquisite art and culture of forgotten lands. Not to mention indigenous handcrafting traditions. The stuff of dreams.

Photographed and compiled into a book by photographer Jimmy Nelson called Before They Pass Away, here is just a small sampling of photos found in his book.

13 Journeys. 44 countries, and 29 secluded and unique tribes can be found on his site, Before They Pass Away. It includes so many more gorgeous photographs along with details on the language and culture of these peoples.

Tribes and indigenous people on this page. Top to Bottom:
Drokpa of India
Chukchi of Russia
Maori of New Zealand
Kazakh of Mongolia
Maori of New Zealand
Goroka of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
Drokpa of India

Left: The Samburu of Kenya

You can get this book on Amazon. At $102 it’s pricey but it’s something I’d like to get for myself eventually. Perhaps for a special occasion. Also, makes a nice special occasion gift for someone who especially loves this stuff.

This historic volume showcases tribal cultures around the world. With globalization, these societies are to be prized for their distinctive lifestyles, art and traditions. They live in close harmony with nature, now a rarity in our modern era. Jimmy Nelson not only presents us with stunning images of customs and artifacts, but also offers insightful portraits of people who are the guardians of a culture that they–and we–hope will be passed on to future generations in all its glory. Nelson’s large-plate field camera captures every intricate detail and fine nuance for posterity. What’s more, this splendid pageantry is set against a vivid backdrop of some of the world’s most pristine landscapes. –Amazon.com

Before They Pass Away
by Jimmy Nelson, $102

The Lopa of Mustang, Nepal