23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
The Firemaster

A Massai tribesman in a traditional village in Tanzania maintains the Maasai tradition of starting a fire first with sticks rubbed together, which generates embers. Once an ember appears, he transfers it to a small nest of dried grass. He then carefully blows it into a flame. Representing patience, resilience and a connection with nature, this tradition also reflects warmth, protection and a sense of community the fire symbolizes.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Ngorongoro crater, Tanzania
Camera: NIKON D850
Copyright: © Richard Davidson