In an interview with My Modern Met, French photographer Réhahn discusses his seven-year project to document the history of Viet Nam’s 54 distinct ethnic groups. His mission: to photograph members of each of the country’s recognized ethnic groups and share their rich cultural heritage.
Though they number more than 13 million people, the 54 ethnic minorities combined account for less than 15 percent of Viet Nam’s population. The tribes aren’t recognized as indigenous people, but are counted as different ethnicities within Viet Nam. Réhahn has created a free educational center where visitors can view his work, as well as artifacts donated by his subjects.
Does this inspire your writing? If you’re journaling, imagine what aspects of your culture or ethnicity you’d like preserved, should it ever become at risk. What aspects of other cultures do you treasure and would wish to save?
For fiction writers, imagine a protagonist visiting a remote culture in hopes of capturing and sharing their essence. Consider the potential for both conflict and understanding. What if the remote culture were alien? Or pixies? Or lichs?
What happens next?
Read the interview and enjoy Réhahn’s beautiful photos here
Image by RENE RAUSCHENBERGER from Pixabay
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