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    As he discusses the hardships endured by a Mentawaian couple that has attempted resettlement in a government village, the feature of Lugi, my Mentawaian guide, is illuminated by light from a gasoline lantern. His skin, however, is devoid of traditional tattoos that have adorned the bodies of his people for generations; such conspicuous body art standouts beyond the realm of the jungle, making assimilation with other Indonesians difficult. Although having being born in the jungle the majority of Lugi’s nine siblings now permanently reside on the Sumatran mainland or in modern villages on Siberut Island. Raised by his grandfather following the death of father, Lugi stays with friends in the largest city in the Mentawai Islands, searching for tourist to bring back to his grandfathers home in the jungle. For Lugi, guiding tourists doesn’t simply provide a source of income to his people; the photographs and stories that tourists take away ensure that the Mentawai people and their culture will not be forgotten.

    INDONESIA | Monday, 8 July 2013 | Views [2037] | Comments [6] | View Smaller Image

    As he discusses the hardships endured by a Mentawaian couple that has attempted resettlement in a government village, the feature of Lugi, my Mentawaian guide, is illuminated by light from a gasoline lantern. His skin, however, is devoid of traditional tattoos that have adorned the bodies of his people for generations; such conspicuous body art standouts beyond the realm of the jungle, making assimilation with other Indonesians difficult. Although having being born in the jungle the majority of Lugi’s nine siblings now permanently reside on the Sumatran mainland or in modern villages on Siberut Island. Raised by his grandfather following the death of father, Lugi stays with friends in the largest city in the Mentawai Islands, searching for tourist to bring back to his grandfathers home in the jungle. For Lugi, guiding tourists doesn’t simply provide a source of income to his people; the photographs and stories that tourists take away ensure that the Mentawai people and their culture will not be forgotten.

     

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    Comments

    1

    I'd say your photos are better than 1st place they just not as much of a variety of types of shots

      darryl_putter Jul 26, 2013 9:25 PM

    2

    I agree. I prefered your pics over the 1st place winner. (I also feel that converting to B&W violates the post-production requirements -unless you're actually shooting in BW film) Great photos bro!

      leslie Jul 27, 2013 9:34 AM

    3

    I like your work a lot, and the story you tell with the captions is excellent. Well done on being a finalist - well deserved.

    In regards to comments 1 & 2, this scholarship isn't just about the photographs and their story - it is about creating an exceptional opportunity for someone and trying to choose the person most likely to get the most from it.

    Frank, keep doing what you're doing and connect with me on Flickr if you like.

      simon_monk Jul 27, 2013 9:38 PM

    4

    I love the use of natural light and shadow to create a sense of the scene. It makes me wonder what he is looking at. Well done.

      Richard Wilson Jul 28, 2013 2:13 AM

    5

    This photo worth a thousand words!!!

      Alova Jul 28, 2013 5:05 AM

    6

    You shared a wonderful photography masterpiece of photography. My kudos: well balanced, with plenty of life given by colours (we are in the 21st century and humans have chromatic vision) and you didn't exploit the natives to your benefit by manipulating the story. You deserved to go to Greenland, submit this one to a place where it will be given the value it deserves.

      Hans Aug 1, 2013 6:07 PM