Once I was Pretty, a photo from Coast, East

Photographer's Note

This old lady, she claims to be 103 years of age, lives on the island of Pate in the Lamu Archipelago.
Her name is MZEE OMAR MJUMBE
She sits in her mud hut, hands fluttering incessantly over her dress and recites Swahili poetry to anyone who cares to listen.

This is one:

"Once I was pretty like a garland of flowers,
When they tired of me I was spiced rice without the spice,
They still take me,
I am alright, they are satisfied.

I am the good one, the righteous,
I am the chosen of my people,
I am the remedy, you take me, you are healed."

designsoul, prantik, rtome, lestans, flory has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jasmis (58631) 2007-02-22 4:41

Really incredible portrait in superb light. Maybe she is 103 but she is certainly amazing model.
Thanks for sharing. Regards.

arnabchat (7233) 2007-02-22 4:55

incredible portrait ! speaks a lot, great textures overall, quite a documentary take.
superb work.
Arnab

designsoul (17843) 2007-02-23 8:27

Excellent work, David. What a sitter, what a woman, still retaining her once more polished features, but still strong and beautiful in her old, very old age. Love the play of light caressing her in the dark simple setting. A very good portrait, bravo!
sasa

prantik (1136) 2007-02-27 9:47

Great potrait. Reminiscent of Steve McCurry. Love the light, the colour, the details, and the way you captured her. Excellent.

pratyeka (281) 2007-03-14 20:41

Ten times better for the great note.

Fantastic!

Curioso (9271) 2007-06-29 6:19

Really beautiful mood and tocuhing portrait David.

lestans (17258) 2008-01-03 10:06

Ciao David!!
stai a Roma quindi credo di poter scrivere in italiano.
Complimenti per questo ritratto, è davvero speciale per l'intensità del soggetto, per la luce stupenda, i colori!

Che ottima galleria, complimenti. Invece il collegamento lento che purtroppo abbiamo nella mia zona non mi consente di vedere il tuo sito.
A presto!!

Livia

Sahyadri (14) 2008-12-23 0:40

beautiful.

flory (4848) 2009-05-08 1:43

wuauuuuuu David.wonderful ,wonderful gallery!
someone said that 'the life is just a shadow...'
pity that you are not active on this site...
best wishes ,Flori:)

mrmike1935 (4781) 2018-01-30 3:41 [Comment]