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Early in the morning at a bamboo bridge over a canal in Batavia, 1915.

Courtesy of Leiden University Libraries.

Early in the morning at a bamboo bridge over a canal in Batavia, 1915.

Courtesy of Leiden University Libraries.

Silhouette, 1940.

Photo by Robert F. Schostal.

Silhouette, 1940.

Photo by Robert F. Schostal.

Japan, 1954. Photo by Shōji Ōtake.

From "Overflowing Poetry", 1993.

Japan, 1954. Photo by Shōji Ōtake.

From "Overflowing Poetry", 1993.

Skiing excursion in Vallombrosa, Central Appenines, 1940.

Photo by photographer, mountaineer, and explorer Fosco Maraini (1912 - 2004).

Skiing excursion in Vallombrosa, Central Appenines, 1940.

Photo by photographer, mountaineer, and explorer Fosco Maraini (1912 - 2004).

Market in Denpasar, 1968. Photo by Henky Pantoc.

From ''Bali'' by Rae Hogan, 1974.

Market in Denpasar, 1968. Photo by Henky Pantoc.

From ''Bali'' by Rae Hogan, 1974.

Geisha school, Kyoto, Japan. 1961.

Photo by Rene Burri

Geisha school, Kyoto, Japan. 1961.

Photo by Rene Burri

The stylized design of this huge tablet, now at the Anthropological Museum, is characteristic of the early Classic Period (150-300 AD) in Teotihuacan culture.

From "Silent cities of Mexico and the Maya" by Norman F. Carver, 1986.

The stylized design of this huge tablet, now at the Anthropological Museum, is characteristic of the early Classic Period (150-300 AD) in Teotihuacan culture.

From "Silent cities of Mexico and the Maya" by Norman F. Carver, 1986.

Dusky dolphin, New Zealand, 1988.

From "The book of dolphins" by Mark Carwardine.

Dusky dolphin, New Zealand, 1988.

From "The book of dolphins" by Mark Carwardine.

Seashells.

From "Seashell parade: fascinating facts, pictures, and stories" by Melvin Gordon, 1973.

Seashells.

From "Seashell parade: fascinating facts, pictures, and stories" by Melvin Gordon, 1973.

An elderly man performing Zhamajiao(扎马角), Beijing, 1920s.

"Zhamajiao" is a traditional folk ritual originating in northern China. Performed during droughts, it involved piercing one's scalp with needles to draw blood, symbolizing a plea for rain. Over time, it evolved into a public spectacle, often linked to temple fairs, blending spirituality with communal entertainment.

By the mid-20th century, the practice declined due to modernization and shifting beliefs. Today, it survives only as a rare cultural relic, occasionally revived in folk festivals. As a local intangible heritage, Zhamajiao reflects historical resilience and communal identity, offering insight into how rituals adapt-or fade-in changing societies."

Courtesy of Visuals China.

An elderly man performing Zhamajiao(扎马角), Beijing, 1920s.

"Zhamajiao" is a traditional folk ritual originating in northern China. Performed during droughts, it involved piercing one's scalp with needles to draw blood, symbolizing a plea for rain. Over time, it evolved into a public spectacle, often linked to temple fairs, blending spirituality with communal entertainment.

By the mid-20th century, the practice declined due to modernization and shifting beliefs. Today, it survives only as a rare cultural relic, occasionally revived in folk festivals. As a local intangible heritage, Zhamajiao reflects historical resilience and communal identity, offering insight into how rituals adapt-or fade-in changing societies."

Courtesy of Visuals China.

Ama, 1968. Photo by Kazuo Kitai.

From the book "To the Village" by Kazuo Kitai

Ama, 1968. Photo by Kazuo Kitai.

From the book "To the Village" by Kazuo Kitai

Tokyo Tattoo, 1970.

Photo by Martha Cooper

Tokyo Tattoo, 1970.

Photo by Martha Cooper

Visions of Angkor, 1926-1928. Photo by Martin Hürlimann.

"The first major artistic survey of Angkor: Burma, Ceylon, Indo-China. Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Tongking, Yunnan. Landscape, Architecture, Inhabitants reflect the eastward journey photographer Martin Hürlimann took in 1926-1928 after completing his splendid book on India."

Visions of Angkor, 1926-1928. Photo by Martin Hürlimann.

"The first major artistic survey of Angkor: Burma, Ceylon, Indo-China. Siam, Cambodia, Annam, Tongking, Yunnan. Landscape, Architecture, Inhabitants reflect the eastward journey photographer Martin Hürlimann took in 1926-1928 after completing his splendid book on India."

Japan, 1957. Photo by Tadahiko Hayashi.

From "The Home of the Short Story: A book of Photographs".

Japan, 1957. Photo by Tadahiko Hayashi.

From "The Home of the Short Story: A book of Photographs".

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Japan, 1938. Photo by Ihee Kimura.

From "Japan through a Leica".

Japan, 1938. Photo by Ihee Kimura.

From "Japan through a Leica".

"In 2009, legendary Italian freediver Enzo Maiorca was diving off the coast of Syracuse with his daughter Rossana when something extraordinary happened. While descending into the blue, Enzo felt a gentle nudge on his back. Turning around, he saw a dolphin - but it wasn't there to play. It was pleading for help. The dolphin dove, and Enzo followed. At around 15 meters deep, they found a second dolphin - trapped in an abandoned fishing net. Without hesitation, Enzo called to his daughter for a knife and carefully cut the net loose. The moment the dolphin was freed, it released a sound Enzo would later describe as "almost a human cry."

When the dolphin reached the surface, the divers realized it was a pregnant female - and just moments later, she gave birth in open water. The male dolphin circled the scene, then gently swam up to Enzo, touched his cheek with its snout deep with his new family. like a kiss - and vanished into the

Later, Enzo reflected:

"Until man learns to respect and speak to the natural world, he can never truly understand his place on this Earth."

A powerful reminder that nature speaks - if only we're willing to listen."

Photo: Shark Bay by Rachel Smolker.

"In 2009, legendary Italian freediver Enzo Maiorca was diving off the coast of Syracuse with his daughter Rossana when something extraordinary happened. While descending into the blue, Enzo felt a gentle nudge on his back. Turning around, he saw a dolphin - but it wasn't there to play. It was pleading for help. The dolphin dove, and Enzo followed. At around 15 meters deep, they found a second dolphin - trapped in an abandoned fishing net. Without hesitation, Enzo called to his daughter for a knife and carefully cut the net loose. The moment the dolphin was freed, it released a sound Enzo would later describe as "almost a human cry."

When the dolphin reached the surface, the divers realized it was a pregnant female - and just moments later, she gave birth in open water. The male dolphin circled the scene, then gently swam up to Enzo, touched his cheek with its snout deep with his new family. like a kiss - and vanished into the

Later, Enzo reflected:

"Until man learns to respect and speak to the natural world, he can never truly understand his place on this Earth."

A powerful reminder that nature speaks - if only we're willing to listen."

Photo: Shark Bay by Rachel Smolker.

Pillars of the Parthenon, 1921. Photo by Edward Steichen.

From "Looking at photographs; 100 pictures from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art", 1973.

Pillars of the Parthenon, 1921. Photo by Edward Steichen.

From "Looking at photographs; 100 pictures from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art", 1973.

Morocco - Fez. Imperial Moroccan Red-carpet Reception for President of Brazil, 1986.

Courtesy of National Geographic Magazine.

Morocco - Fez. Imperial Moroccan Red-carpet Reception for President of Brazil, 1986.

Courtesy of National Geographic Magazine.

Statue of Buddha at the Yun'gang Caves, 1930-1940. Photo by Hedda Morrison.

From "Historical Photographs of China".

Statue of Buddha at the Yun'gang Caves, 1930-1940. Photo by Hedda Morrison.

From "Historical Photographs of China".

Copán, 1979. Photo by Kenneth Garrett.

"Esta ornada estela de Copán aporta una perfecta hornacina para el nido del gran kiskadee. La escultura del siglo Vil retrata al poderoso soberano de Copán 18 Conejo durante su largo reinado de cuarenta y tres años, mientras presidía un importante florecimiento artístico. El profundo altorrelieve, esculpido en casi todo su contorno, demuestra una complejidad barroca del estilo de Copán en aquella época..."

From "Los reinos perdidos de los Mayas" by Stuart, Gene S. Stuart, 1993.

Copán, 1979. Photo by Kenneth Garrett.

"Esta ornada estela de Copán aporta una perfecta hornacina para el nido del gran kiskadee. La escultura del siglo Vil retrata al poderoso soberano de Copán 18 Conejo durante su largo reinado de cuarenta y tres años, mientras presidía un importante florecimiento artístico. El profundo altorrelieve, esculpido en casi todo su contorno, demuestra una complejidad barroca del estilo de Copán en aquella época..."

From "Los reinos perdidos de los Mayas" by Stuart, Gene S. Stuart, 1993.

Beijing / China, 1964.

Photo by René Burri.

Beijing / China, 1964.

Photo by René Burri.

Dr. Jane Goodall in Gombe, Tanzania, during thearly days of her trailblazing chimpanzee research, 1962.

Photo by Hugo van Lawick.

Dr. Jane Goodall in Gombe, Tanzania, during thearly days of her trailblazing chimpanzee research, 1962.

Photo by Hugo van Lawick.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Lava reaches heights of 800 feet as it erupts from Kīlauea, Hawaii, 1983.

Photo by Steve Raymer.

Lava reaches heights of 800 feet as it erupts from Kīlauea, Hawaii, 1983.

Photo by Steve Raymer.

Guelemlai, 1953. Photo by Tony Saulnier.

From "The sacred forest; magic and secret rites in French Guinea" by Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau.

Guelemlai, 1953. Photo by Tony Saulnier.

From "The sacred forest; magic and secret rites in French Guinea" by Pierre-Dominique Gaisseau.

Un grupo de niños colgándose en la parte trasera de un tranvía, Ciudad de México, 1963.

Photo by Héctor García.

Un grupo de niños colgándose en la parte trasera de un tranvía, Ciudad de México, 1963.

Photo by Héctor García.

Kama Kala, 1958. Photo by Moti Ram Jain.

From " Kama Kala: Some notes on the philosophical basis of Hindu erotic sculpture" by Mulk Raj Anand.

Kama Kala, 1958. Photo by Moti Ram Jain.

From " Kama Kala: Some notes on the philosophical basis of Hindu erotic sculpture" by Mulk Raj Anand.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Sasaram, 1957.

From "Asia" by Martin Hurlimann.

Sasaram, 1957.

From "Asia" by Martin Hurlimann.

Brown bear and ravens, 1987. Photo by Antti Leinonen.

From "Realms of the Russian Bear" by John Sparks.

Brown bear and ravens, 1987. Photo by Antti Leinonen.

From "Realms of the Russian Bear" by John Sparks.

Indian Ocean, 1987.

From "Journey through Maldives" by Mohamed Almin.

Indian Ocean, 1987.

From "Journey through Maldives" by Mohamed Almin.

Arctic Fox in winter, 1964. Photo by Sven Gillsäter.

From "Life Nature Library: Eurasia"

Arctic Fox in winter, 1964. Photo by Sven Gillsäter.

From "Life Nature Library: Eurasia"

Objets Prehistoriques, Sahara.

"This book seeks to highlight a previously overlooked dimension at the intersection of diverse fields such as anthropology, archaeology, art history, technology, and sociology: the material culture of early Saharan inhabitants.

The image material presented illustrates a large number of "typical" objects and also objects whose significance is unclear. Many are variations of bifaces, scraping, grinding and cutting tools. Roller-like devices, mortars and pestles can also be found. But also animal sculptures and jewelry. The book provides captions for the more than 400 objects, describing the production methods and materials used."

From "Prähistorische Artefak" by C.E. Klenkler, 1986.

Objets Prehistoriques, Sahara.

"This book seeks to highlight a previously overlooked dimension at the intersection of diverse fields such as anthropology, archaeology, art history, technology, and sociology: the material culture of early Saharan inhabitants.

The image material presented illustrates a large number of "typical" objects and also objects whose significance is unclear. Many are variations of bifaces, scraping, grinding and cutting tools. Roller-like devices, mortars and pestles can also be found. But also animal sculptures and jewelry. The book provides captions for the more than 400 objects, describing the production methods and materials used."

From "Prähistorische Artefak" by C.E. Klenkler, 1986.

European brown bear crossing a frozen lake, 1904. Photo by Eric von Rosen.

From "Lebensbilder aus der Tierwelt" by Hermann Meerwarth, 1908.

European brown bear crossing a frozen lake, 1904. Photo by Eric von Rosen.

From "Lebensbilder aus der Tierwelt" by Hermann Meerwarth, 1908.

Ama divers, Japan, 1968. Photo by Kusukazu Uraguchi.

"With the passage of time, lifestyles and landscapes transform. ‹Shima's topography, connected with the sea› For the people living along the shore, the sea is «mother sea», providing food for life, but «the sea and the gallows refuse none» Working at sea is also tough and dangerous. There is nothing but relying on the Gods and Buddha, as well as praying for safety and a good catch.This pure and simple faith has been taught since early times until now."

From "Shima Fudoki" by Kusukazu Uraguchi, 1978.

Ama divers, Japan, 1968. Photo by Kusukazu Uraguchi.

"With the passage of time, lifestyles and landscapes transform. ‹Shima's topography, connected with the sea› For the people living along the shore, the sea is «mother sea», providing food for life, but «the sea and the gallows refuse none» Working at sea is also tough and dangerous. There is nothing but relying on the Gods and Buddha, as well as praying for safety and a good catch.This pure and simple faith has been taught since early times until now."

From "Shima Fudoki" by Kusukazu Uraguchi, 1978.

Ama diver with pressure equalising goggles, 1962. Photo by Yoshinobu Nakamura.

"One of the lesser-known but fascinating parts of Japanese culture is that of the Ama pearl divers. Ama (海女 in Japanese), literally means 'woman of the sea' and is recorded as early as 750 in the oldest Japanese anthology of poetry, the Man'yoshu. These women specialised in freediving some 30 feet down into cold water wearing nothing more than a loincloth. Utilising special techniques to hold their breath for up to 2 minutes at a time, they would work for up to 4 hours a day in order to gather pearls, abalone, seaweed and other shellfish. Historical records of female pearl divers date back to 927 AD. "

From "Ama (The Women Sea Divers in Japan)" by Tsuneichi Miyamoto and Yoshinobu Nakamura, 1978.

Ama diver with pressure equalising goggles, 1962. Photo by Yoshinobu Nakamura.

"One of the lesser-known but fascinating parts of Japanese culture is that of the Ama pearl divers. Ama (海女 in Japanese), literally means 'woman of the sea' and is recorded as early as 750 in the oldest Japanese anthology of poetry, the Man'yoshu. These women specialised in freediving some 30 feet down into cold water wearing nothing more than a loincloth. Utilising special techniques to hold their breath for up to 2 minutes at a time, they would work for up to 4 hours a day in order to gather pearls, abalone, seaweed and other shellfish. Historical records of female pearl divers date back to 927 AD. "

From "Ama (The Women Sea Divers in Japan)" by Tsuneichi Miyamoto and Yoshinobu Nakamura, 1978.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Japan, 1960.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

The Mask, 1961. Directed by Julian Roffman.

"A psychiatrist enters a dream world of horror when he experiments with an ancient Aztec mask sent to him by a patient."

The Mask, 1961. Directed by Julian Roffman.

"A psychiatrist enters a dream world of horror when he experiments with an ancient Aztec mask sent to him by a patient."

Climbing the Dukadak Pass, 13,000 ft.

From "Where four worlds meet: Hindu Kush" by Fosco Maraini.

Climbing the Dukadak Pass, 13,000 ft.

From "Where four worlds meet: Hindu Kush" by Fosco Maraini.

New Year’s Prayer at the Temple of Ise Naiku, 1963.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

New Year’s Prayer at the Temple of Ise Naiku, 1963.

Photo by Fosco Maraini.

Yukio Mishima with Shami, 1949.

"Mishima was a big cat fan who sent postcards to his cats when he traveled and, in the postscript, urged his father to be kind to them. The father later reported: "Sometimes he would work for hours with a cat on his knees. It would have driven me crazy." Mishima: "You must have a dog's sense, father. You have no idea about the delicate psyche of a cat."

"Yukio Mishima was the pen name of Kimitake Hiraoka, who was a Japanese author, poet and playwright, famous for both his highly notable post-war writings and the circumstances of his ritual suicide by seppuku.

Mishima wrote 40 novels, 18 plays, 20 books of short stories, and at least 20 books of essays, one libretto, as well as one film. A large portion of this oeuvre comprises books written quickly for profit, but even if these are disregarded, a substantial body of work remains.

He was recognized as one of the most important post-war stylists of the Japanese language."

From "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters".

Yukio Mishima with Shami, 1949.

"Mishima was a big cat fan who sent postcards to his cats when he traveled and, in the postscript, urged his father to be kind to them. The father later reported: "Sometimes he would work for hours with a cat on his knees. It would have driven me crazy." Mishima: "You must have a dog's sense, father. You have no idea about the delicate psyche of a cat."

"Yukio Mishima was the pen name of Kimitake Hiraoka, who was a Japanese author, poet and playwright, famous for both his highly notable post-war writings and the circumstances of his ritual suicide by seppuku.

Mishima wrote 40 novels, 18 plays, 20 books of short stories, and at least 20 books of essays, one libretto, as well as one film. A large portion of this oeuvre comprises books written quickly for profit, but even if these are disregarded, a substantial body of work remains.

He was recognized as one of the most important post-war stylists of the Japanese language."

From "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters".

Domains. Garden of Silence no. 3. 1958.

Photo by Ikko Narahara.

Domains. Garden of Silence no. 3. 1958.

Photo by Ikko Narahara.

Farm workers cutting sisal on a plantation in Kenya, 1965.

Photo by Paul Popper.

Farm workers cutting sisal on a plantation in Kenya, 1965.

Photo by Paul Popper.

The Snake Pyramid of Tenayuca: The double stairway, 1957.

From "Mexico in Pictures" by Eugen Kusch.

The Snake Pyramid of Tenayuca: The double stairway, 1957.

From "Mexico in Pictures" by Eugen Kusch.

Our caravan approaches the door chorten of Tsarang.

From "Mustang, the forbidden kingdom: exploring a lost Himalayan land" by Michel Peissel, 1967.

Our caravan approaches the door chorten of Tsarang.

From "Mustang, the forbidden kingdom: exploring a lost Himalayan land" by Michel Peissel, 1967.

Volcán Villarica, 1959.

From "Chile" by Robert M. Gerstmann.

Volcán Villarica, 1959.

From "Chile" by Robert M. Gerstmann.

Juni Ludowici’s round house being transported down the River Thames, 1958.

The structure, also known as a "Kugelhaus", was a circular building designed by Ludowici.

Juni Ludowici’s round house being transported down the River Thames, 1958.

The structure, also known as a "Kugelhaus", was a circular building designed by Ludowici.

Japan, 1977. Photo by Masahisa Fukase.

From "Sasuke" by Masahisa Fukase.

Japan, 1977. Photo by Masahisa Fukase.

From "Sasuke" by Masahisa Fukase.

Kyoto, 1958.

Photo by Katsuji Fukuda.

Kyoto, 1958.

Photo by Katsuji Fukuda.

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