Photo Gallery

Cyclists at the market in Yogyakarta - 1990

Near Surakarta, also known as Solo, a historic city in Central Java. Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in Indonesia, with important centres in East Java (such as Tulungagung, Blitar and Kediri) and near Yogyakarta (Kasongan village). The picture shows a man transporting large traditional clay pots on his bicycle, which is a common method of transporting goods in rural areas. - 1990

That’s a rather creative and improvised bicycle horn! It consists of an old, circularly curved metal horn that has been attached to the handlebars and the frame of the bicycle with string. A rubber ball wrapped in fabric was attached to the end of the horn and sealed with a red rubber band. It’s a great example of ‘Jugaad’ – an Indian term that stands for creative problem-solving with limited resources. – Found at the market in Calicut – 1990

This lively, traditional fruit and vegetable stall was photographed in Murukkady, in the state of Kerala. Clusters of bananas hang from the ceiling. Various fruits and vegetables are piled high in the woven baskets. The classic black men’s bicycle in the foreground is a typical means of transport for traders and customers alike. – 1990

An elderly woman in traditional dress is selling various goods. A brightly patterned cloth (sari or dupatta) covers her head and she has tattoos on her right forearm. In her hands she holds a traditional mechanical beam balance with two pans, used to weigh goods for customers. Behind the woman, several bicycles are leaning against a metal railing. – Jodhpur – 1990

Street scene in Jodhpur – A family of three riding together on a bicycle. – 1990

A lively street scene in a historic, narrow alleyway typical of the architecture in Jaisalmer. The walls and floor are rendered in warm, earthy tones, some adorned with white frames around the doors. The paths are narrow and paved with large stone slabs, which is typical of old fortified towns in Rajasthan. In the middle of the alley, a man stands by a handcart laden with large metal containers, presumably selling milk or water. – 1990

This historic, ornately decorated truck (often known as the “Nissan One Ton” or Nissan 4W73) was photographed in the desert region around Jaisalmer. These rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles were originally developed for military use and later adapted for civilian use. The body and the wooden superstructure above the cab are decorated with detailed floral patterns, ornaments, and inscriptions in Hindi and Sanskrit. A large eye is painted on the hood. This widespread symbol traditionally serves as protection against the “evil eye” (Nazar) and is said to protect the vehicle and its crew on long journeys. A curtain made of fine metal chains hangs in front of the front bumper. These fringes swing back and forth while driving, producing a rattling sound that is also believed to contribute to the ritual warding off of evil spirits. An image of a deity is affixed to the top of the front panel, a feature typical of Indian trucks, to invoke divine blessings for the journey. – 1990

The Chipaya tribe in the Bolivian department of Oruro, which now numbers just under a thousand people, inhabits a particularly inhospitable region of the Andean high plateau on the Río Lauca, which flows into a salt lake. The Chipayas are the only highland indigenous people who obtain part of their food through hunting, as agriculture and livestock farming alone are unable to meet their needs due to the highly saline soil. At dawn, groups of hunters lie in wait on the lake shore for flamingos, ducks and Andean geese, which they catch using bolas – throwing balls attached to long straps. The word ‘Chipaya’ comes from the Aymara language and means ‘a mat of reed or straw woven with reed cords’. To protect themselves from the strong winds of the Altiplano, the Chipayas have, in fact, had to tie down the thatched layers of their roofs with cords since time immemorial. The belief that the Chipayas are the direct descendants of pre-Inca populations is supported by mummy finds in burial towers from that period, which, amongst other similarities, display the same hairstyles that the women spend hours and hours creating. - Book: Picture 155 - Bolivia - 1976