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I made this report with my Hasselblad, I used Kodak Tri-X Black & White film. I wanted to be as close as possible to my subject without the constraints of digital photography.

On the spot, people considered me as “Mr. Photographer” because the villagers couldn’t see the picture on my camera!

The scarification of human skin is a longstanding practice that has played a significant role in cultural consciousness and community-building. Although it has its origins as a practice among Australian Aborigines dating back to 60 000 B.C, elements of scarification were dispersed and adopted by many communities worldwide, persisting up until today. The procedural basis of scarification involves producing a scar that follows the complex biological process of wound healing.

More info: clajot.photoshelter.com

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    Thomas, Betamaribe

    Family is waiting before the ceremony

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    Grandpa waiting for the master of ceremonies

    Small scar on the arm

    Hand with tools

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    The ceremony

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    The child is washed after the ceremony

    Belly with scarification

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    On the walls, the same marks

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    A fishmonger with her scars on her face

    Street of Cotonou

    Child in the house

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