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 |