Image Number

Photographer

Date

Rights

Collection

Geographic Term

Subject Term

Personal Subjects

Physical Description

General Note

Campbell is learning the challenging Ishan drumming that accompanies the dancing, and which requires following the movements of the dancers and playing according to their leaps and turns. The Omebens are also mentoring Akila Baki.

According to the Omebens, the traditional dances of their native Ishan tribe were invented 1,000 years ago by hunters who had observed gorillas tumbling and flipping. The dances, which are performed only by males, have become more spectacular and competitive over time. Because the dances are closely associated with traditional religious beliefs, performances are sometimes preceded by eating glass or fire as a demonstration of faith.