What you see hanging there, in the white suit, is me in Nepal in 2018.
It's definitely the most complicated, long and difficult photo project I've ever realized in my life.
It's about the honey hunters of Nepal, a small tribe who continue to practice an age-old tradition that combines ancient skills with unwavering bravery. For generations, these intrepid individuals have ventured into the treacherous cliffs to collect the precious nectar of the world's largest honeybee.
In this remote corner of Nepal, the honey harvesting season begins in the spring when the bees become active. The hunters, armed with only rudimentary tools and an unyielding determination, make their way to the towering cliffs, often located at dizzying heights.
Their journey is fraught with peril as they ascend rickety bamboo ladders, cling to precarious footholds, and negotiate sheer rock faces with nothing but smoke and determination to deter the bees.
Once they reach the hives, the hunters use smoke to calm the bees, allowing them to carefully extract the honeycombs. These honeycombs, often as large as a human arm, are an intricate network of honey and wax that holds the golden treasure the hunters seek.
With their bare hands and minimal protective gear, they cut the combs loose, careful not to disturb the delicate equilibrium of the hive.
The honey hunters' labor is a testament to their deep connection with nature and their respect for the bees. They recognize the importance of maintaining the delicate ecological balance of their surroundings and taking only what is needed. The harvested honey is not just a source of sustenance but also an important part of their cultural heritage, used in traditional medicines and religious ceremonies.
The honey collected by these hunters is often referred to as "mad honey" due to its potent properties. It contains grayanotoxin, a natural neurotoxin that can induce hallucinations and even be lethal in large quantities. Despite the risks, the honey hunters continue their annual pilgrimage to the cliffs, demonstrating an incredible blend of courage and reverence for their age-old customs.
In a rapidly changing world, the honey hunters of Nepal stand as a symbol of resilience and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world.
Their traditions, passed down through generations, serve as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet and the remarkable feats that human determination can achieve in the face of adversity.
I will never forget the feeling of tears running down my face. I am not ashamed to admit that I cried while I gave my last energy to climb the endless staircase. Exhausted, I screamed inside and had been forbidden to speak to avoid an attack from the bees.
As night falls again, we find ourselves back in the cave, with the heat of the fire that hasn't stopped over the last three days. We each enjoy our own piece of hard-earned honey. I look one by one at the faces and eyes of these heroes. Most are smiling, some are stoned, some laugh and sing loudly, while others have serious discussions with the Gods above.
What I experienced myself, I want to keep to myself. This is where my journey ends. An adventure between the kingdom of dreams and madness. One of those rare moments in life when dreams and reality converge.
Please check out the behind-the-scene video of my project:
And this is the whole photo-project published on my page:
https://www.maurodebettio.com/sweetgold
Let me know in a comment what you think. Take care
Sono molto contenta di vederti scrivere.
Questo post è davvero 'impactful heartbreaking'
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Grazie !!!
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Davvero gentile, grazie mille!
Di nulla, figurati, sono scatti davvero impressionanti, sotto diversi punti di vista...
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Thank you !
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Many thanks Andrea, very kind
Stupendo!
Grazie mille!
awesome work but I believe I've seen these photos in facebook long ago. Was it you posting your work?
This is a project I made in 2018 and it was posted on different socials..
well, glad to meet you then, I really enjoyed your work. it showed a rare practice done in harvesting honey
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I also wanted to read about what they're doing with the goats, a kind of offering?