Many myths surround the "Hyena Men" who haunt the peripheries of Nigeria's cities. Accompanied by hyenas, rock pythons and baboons, these men earn a living by performing before crowds and selling traditional medicines. Pieter Hugo's extraordinary portraits of their liminal existence reveal an uncanny world of complex, codependent relationships, where familiar distinctions between dominance and submission, wildness and domesticity, tradition and modernity are constantly subverted. Nigerian journalist Adetokunbo Abiola introduces readers to the "Hyena Men," explaining the traditions and mystique behind their practices. Presented in thirty-five full-color plates, these intense portraits reveal why Hugo is one of the most exciting young photographers at work today.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By B. Iversen
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Ever since I heard about this book at a photo festival I knew that I had to have it. The photos are very captivating. The most difficult part about being a great photojournalist is not to capture sharp or well composed images, but rather the telling of stories from areas or societies that not everyone has access to. Hugo has done a phenomenal job on gaining the acceptance of the dog trainers and perhaps even the dogs/hyenas themselves.The photos in this book are masterfully done in every respect. Printing is exquisite.
However, my gripe is with the editing of the book itself and in the selection of images.
After about 20 photos of the same couple of guys posing with their hyenas I want to see more. Several phots look like they have been taken minutes apart. There is little contact between man and dog and even with their surroundings. We don't get to know the people behind the hyenas, it is as if we meet them by chance on the street and they agree to pose for us.
All that said, I think this book is slated to be a future classic, epecially if Hugo made a re-edition with more varied images!
However, my gripe is with the editing of the book itself and in the selection of images.
After about 20 photos of the same couple of guys posing with their hyenas I want to see more. Several phots look like they have been taken minutes apart. There is little contact between man and dog and even with their surroundings. We don't get to know the people behind the hyenas, it is as if we meet them by chance on the street and they agree to pose for us.
All that said, I think this book is slated to be a future classic, epecially if Hugo made a re-edition with more varied images!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
It never fails. A friend picks up my copy of the book, staring at the photo on the jacket, and then starts to turn each page, slowly, softly whistling, or humming, or whispering, "what IS this?"
I've been around wild hyenas a bit, and they're fascinating animals. Their "laughing" is clearly a complex, almost dolphin-like language. They're rather timid, nowhere near as ferocious and dangerous as the big cats, to which they are apparently related.
And then, the photos of man and baboon, just two stoic guys looking at the camera. These are photos that defy description. It's true, as one reviewer observed, there aren't enough photos. How could there be enough?
I've been around wild hyenas a bit, and they're fascinating animals. Their "laughing" is clearly a complex, almost dolphin-like language. They're rather timid, nowhere near as ferocious and dangerous as the big cats, to which they are apparently related.
And then, the photos of man and baboon, just two stoic guys looking at the camera. These are photos that defy description. It's true, as one reviewer observed, there aren't enough photos. How could there be enough?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you're unsure as to whether or not you might like this book, search online for the author's web site. He has one of the two text narratives posted as well as most of the photos in small images. If you like what you see there, you'll love this book. Though the book layout is very simple, the print quality is top notch.
Finally, if you care about such things, the copy of the book I received in the mail today was the fourth printing, not the second printing like the Amazon product description promised.
Highly recommended.
Finally, if you care about such things, the copy of the book I received in the mail today was the fourth printing, not the second printing like the Amazon product description promised.
Highly recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
Beautiful, full-colour pictures in this book. I love hyaenas, so this was a real treat to find for me. Read more
Published on August 9, 2009 by T. L. McCullough
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Definitely worth purchasing. The book is top quality and the commentary is very good.
Published on February 15, 2009 by A. Acker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredible Photo Book
This was the first photo book I've ever purchased and it was mesmerizing. Incredible subject, fascinating environment and mind-blowing images. Reproduction is great. Read more
Published on January 26, 2009 by D. Lotempio
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