African Ceremonies

Published over 20 years ago and photographed by Carol Beckwith, an American, and Angela Fisher, an Australian, this is a sumptuous two-volume record of traditional rituals in 26 African countries. From Eritrea to Namibia, from Morocco to Swaziland, we get a glimpse of rites surrounding the great transitions of life: birth and death, initiation to adulthood, courtship and marriage. The photographers’ aim is to capture ceremonies before they disappear but one might also consider that with over 50% of Africa’s population now living in cities, departures from tradition are inevitable and not always to be lamented. Many ceremonies not shown here, are revamped and more alive than ever.