The Baobab Drink
A story by Janeth Mahiya, Hadzabe Photographer
We collect baobab fruits and prepare them in ways that have been passed down through generations. Here, an elder woman crushes the fruits into a fine powder, mixes it with water and shares the drink with others in the community. It is a simple practice of preparing food and sharing what the land provides.
Foraging Roots
A story by Mwajuma Mathayo, Hadzabe Photographer
For us, foraging is a deeply rooted part of our culture, led mostly by women. We use sharpened digging sticks to harvest wild tubers such as makalale, ekwa, shumuko, panjuko and others. These foods are especially important during the dry season, when they provide us with both food and water.
A Clear Aim
A story by Benjamin Paul, Hadzabe Photographer
We begin learning archery from a young age. Here, five children challenge each other to hit a target on a tree, testing their aim and precision. The winner receives arrows from the others, giving them more to practice with and keep improving their skills.
Missed Shot
A story by Benjamin Mashimba, Hadzabe Photographer
Hunting is part of how we provide food for our families and community, but not every hunt ends with a catch. A hunter can set out with hope and return with nothing. This is also part of hunting — trying, learning and going out again.
Arrow Head
A story by Mathayo Mahaza, Hadzabe Photographer
Before a hunt, an arrow must be carefully prepared. Here, a nail is hammered into a sharp arrowhead, making it ready for the next hunt. For us, the work of hunting begins long before we enter the bush.
Bowmaker
A story by Israel Israel, Hadzabe Photographer
Making a bow is a skill we learn and pass on through generations. A simple tree branch is shaped and prepared, with strings tied at both ends, until it becomes ready for the hunt. It is not only about making a bow, but keeping the knowledge of how to make one alive.
Kusaga “Grinding”
A story by Yohana Zinzi, Hadzabe Photographer
Grinding is a skill passed down through generations. Here, an elder woman uses stones to grind maize into flour, using a method that has been part of how we prepare our food. These everyday practices carry knowledge that we continue to pass on.
Shanga “Beads”
A story by Mwajuma January, Hadzabe Photographer
Beads are part of how we express our identity and care for one another. In this moment, an elder gently ties a handmade bracelet around a young girl’s wrist, passing on more than a piece of jewellery, a small part of our culture from one generation to the next.
The bottle’s Cost
A story by Rogathe Safari, Hadzabe Photographer
As our communities change and we encounter new influences, some have brought challenges into our lives. Alcohol is one of them. This photograph shows a mother struggling with alcohol while her children are left without the care they need. It is a difficult reality that some families in our communities face.
