Mentawai Shaman

• Photographer
  Kevin De Vree
• Agency / Studio
  www.beyondandbelow.com

The Mentawai tribes remain some of the most isolated tribes in the world. However, in the wave of Indonesia’s relentless modernisation, they are struggling to keep their culture alive. There are only a few shamans left in de jungle and they take pride in remaining self sufficient. Shamans believe that the spirits of the forest can provide them with everything they need. I spent two weeks observing them with a local Mentawai teacher, these photo’s are now being used to teach local children on a neighbouring island about their cultural heritage.

Kevin De Vree is an underwater and travel photographer with a passion for ocean and wildlife conservation. He is co-founder of BeyondandBelow.com, which features evocative photographic journeys through the natural and cultural diversity of our planet.