A Secluded Tribe of Incredibly Beautiful People Captured by Jimmy Nelson (26 photos)

Renowned British photographer Jimmy Nelson, who specializes in photographing endangered and small nations and indigenous tribes, visited the remote Marquesas Islands twice, creating a stunning series of photographs documenting the lives of the aborigines, untouched by civilization.





The Marquesas Islands are truly the end of the world. They are located in the Pacific Ocean, 1,400 kilometers from the nearest inhabited land, Tahiti. The islanders have never had contact with the civilized world. Renowned photographer Jimmy Nelson, who travels the world from Chukotka to Papua New Guinea, managed to reach the Marquesas Islands and spent several weeks with the natives, the Marquesas.



To get here, you need to fly about four hours from Tahiti, the nearest civilized place. Visitors from the outside world are very rare.

Nelson said he had difficulty communicating with the locals, who, of course, didn't understand a word he said. He barely managed to persuade them to pose for photos. The results were stunning.



Social media users were amazed by the beauty and natural grace of the natives. The photos resemble stills from an exotic Hollywood film. And the "models" themselves, with their athletic figures and perfect features, look more striking than many modern movie stars.



A photographer who photographs endangered tribes around the world considers it his mission in life to share these images with the world.



The Marquesas archipelago consists of 12 islands, only six of which are inhabited. The islands' vibrant beauty inspired Stevenson to write "Treasure Island."



Men on the islands get tribal tattoos. According to the photographer, modern tattoos in the civilized world originate from here, in the Marquesas Islands.



A British photographer currently based in Amsterdam described the experience of visiting the Marquesas Islands as "the greatest richness you can imagine."



The natives travel around the island on foot, and for longer distances, on horseback.



The Marquesas Islands are lost practically in the center of the Pacific Ocean, far from any civilization.



In total, Jimmy Nelson spent six weeks on the islands.



The islanders are very protective of their pristine natural environment.



The inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands speak their own language and, naturally, know no other, so communicating with them is not an easy task.



Before Jimmy Nelson was allowed to photograph the islanders, he had to gain the tribe's trust.



"To win them over, we showed them our curiosity and interest in their culture," says the photographer.



This is a woman's formal attire in the Marquesas Islands, worn only on special occasions, such as weddings.



And this is what men's festive attire looks like.



A tattoo indicates tribal affiliation and reveals other details about a person.



"You have to show them that you're patient and genuinely interested in their lives," says Jimmy. "But once you form an emotional connection with them, you'll gradually gain their trust."



Nelson says he's willing to spend as much time on the islands as he can: he really liked the locals, who are unspoiled by civilization.



Jimmy Nelson recently published a photo album dedicated to his trips to the islands.



"I don't want to hide them from the rest of the world; that would be too selfish," he says.



According to Nelson, the inhabitants of the Marquesas Islands are one of the last remaining mysteries of our world.



The photographer believes the islanders should be given the opportunity to learn more about modern civilization.



"They should have a chance to integrate into civilization if they want," says the photographer, "but we shouldn't hide its shortcomings from them."



Nelson published his photographs in his new book, The Last Sentinels, which he uses to introduce the world to this hidden culture.