Capturing different ways of life and various cultures around the world is a fantastic use of your photography skills, allowing you to educate others and provide an insight into different people from all over the globe.
Not only does it give you the chance to travel, but it can help you to realize a newfound respect for people from other countries.
You can of course find existing imagery of different cultures by signing up to online photo sharing websites. This can give you some inspiration to start your own photography project and begin to explore the world around you.
Here, you’ll also find some inspiration on the most fascinating cultures from around the world.
The Rabari of India
The Rabari people are n indigenous tribe that live primarily in the northwest area of India. The word Rabari translates to ‘outsiders’, with their origins thought to have been in Iran before migrating to India.
They are now known as semi-nomads, moving from their villages according to the change in seasons, although some have settled into a more modern lifestyle.
Interestingly, it is the Rabari women who conduct most of the business affairs and manage the village, while the men look after the animal herds.
The tribe are known for their intricate skills in embroidery, along with their decorative tattoos and magnificent jewellery.
The Kazakhs of Kazakhstan
Mainly inhabiting Kazakhstan, the Kazakh people have traditionally been nomads, moving around with the seasons to find land for their livestock.
They are descendants of Mongols and other tribes from Central Asia, and are well-known for taming wild horses and hunting with eagles.
Many Kazakhs are now farmers who have settled with their own land to raise animals and grow crops.
With Kazakhstan being surrounded by China, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, it’s a truly fascinating place with equally interesting people.
The Huli of Papua New Guinea
The Huli is a famous tribe in central Papua New Guinea, and were first discovered in 1934. They grow up to learn skills like arrow and bow hunting and building homes.
One of the most important cultural rituals is making a wig of their own hair, which are worn daily and at ceremonial rituals.
The Huli people are also known for painting their bodies and faces with bright yellow clay, with the men also wearing quills through their noses and shells around their necks.
The Huli tribe are excellent at performing and know how to show off their skills and culture, which is a delight to see if you ever catch them in action.
The Loba of Nepal
The Loba tribe live in northern Nepal, in an area that was closed to the outside world until 1992. They are mostly farmers or merchants, and they have a fascinating culture of giving 3 names.
The first is given by a Buddhist monk, the second is their birth name and the third is a secret, giving to them by a Hindu spiritual teacher.
It’s also common for Loba women to be married to several men, so there is less chance of a woman becoming a widow. In general, the Loba are very religious and practise Tibetan Buddhism.
The Gauchos of South America
Across Argentina, Paraguay and more, you will find the Gauchos. They are nomadic horsemen who are most likened to cowboys, with hunting and trading being their main ways of life.
Living in huts, the Gauchos were very free-spirited and often didn’t legalise their marriages, with beliefs rooted in local superstitions.
Hobbies of the Gauchos included gambling, playing the guitar, and drinking. Despite a decline in the Gauchos during the 19th century, there are still many gauchos around today!