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Silver 2024 People / Culture

Scarified Stories

  • Photographer
    Thibault Gerbaldi
  • Prize
    Silver in People / Culture

During my stay in a Mursi village, I gained insights into the profound significance of scarification within their culture. It serves as a means to distinguish between various ethnic groups and clans within the Mursi tribe. Furthermore, it plays a pivotal role in rites of passage, marking significant life transitions such as puberty, marriage, or childbirth. As individuals undergo these milestones, scarification becomes a symbolic expression of personal growth and evolving societal roles. Within Mursi culture, scarification is viewed as a form of embellishment and enhancement of beauty.

Thibault Gerbaldi is a self-taught photographer and enthusiastic traveler whose adventures have spanned the globe. His sensitivity enables him to establish a unique rapport with the subjects he photographs, reflecting strong emotions and authentic narratives in his work. Beyond his passion for photography, Thibault is driven by a desire to promote cultural understanding and support charitable causes. In 2019, he joined the board of directors for The Forgotten International, leveraging his photography to raise funds for communities in need.