An Ethiopian Tradition

• Prize
  Silver in Events/Other
• Photographer
  Thibault Gerbaldi
• Technical Info
  Iso200 1/250s 50mm F/4 Cropped Sensor
• Photo Date
  23dec2019

This series unveils the preparations for the Bull Jumping Ceremony in Ethiopia. While the ritual itself marks the passage to adulthood, these photographs focus on the anticipatory moments. Young initiates, adorned in intricate ritual makeup, embody the cultural significance of this ceremony. As part of the celebration, the hero figures of the village ceremoniously whip the women from the initiates' families, signifying strength and resilience. Each image encapsulates the rich tapestry of Ethiopian culture, illustrating the symbolic rituals that surround the transition to adulthood.

Thibault Gerbaldi is a self-taught Leica photographer and passionate traveler, known for authentic stories from the world’s most remote regions. His work spans landscapes from Greenland to India, blending documentary, travel, and portrait. He has self-published seven books and earned recognition: 1st at Siena Awards 2025, International Photo Awards 2025, and TPOTY Rising Talent (2024). Exhibited globally and featured in LFI and LENS Magazine. As a board member of The Forgotten International, he supports humanitarian projects.