From blistering semi-desert to the frigid tundra, Photographer Jimmy Nelson travelled across five continents to document the distinctive cultures that continue to live in harmony with nature. Due to globalization and implied cultural homogenization, cultures like these have become a rarity in modern times. Their customs have become an artifact that continues to dissolve at increasing speeds. 

Before They Pass Away provides human insight venturing deep into the remote tribes of the world. It makes you question if there is a greater human message we may be missing beneath technology and materialist emphasis. These tribes retain an unsoiled definition of humanity.

Goroka in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

Karo in the Omo Valley of Africa’s Great Rift Valley

Kalam in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea

Kazakh in Eastern Europe and northern parts of Central Asia

Tsaatan in the remote subarctic Taiga of Mongolia

Ladakhi in the Northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir

Maasai in Kenya and Tanzania

Maori in New Zealand

Mursi in Ethiopia

Nenet in the Yamal peninsula