The voice of ancestors

The Nuba young men's body paintings are the echo of their ancestors. Their presence speaks of pride. it is not just charcoal, nor ash, nor dirt - it is identity, memory to carry the voice of their people forward. 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 painting is primarily done with yellow and red ochre, black and white. The colors and design reflect membership in particular age, grades and families. The design is inspired by nature and contain characteristics of local plants and animals. He is a Krongo Nuba. These are conservative Nuba that have bravely fought the Arab invasion for decades (Sudan, Kordofan).