Homecoming: The Young Photographer Reconnecting with the Roots of Russia's Indigenous Mari People - Pictures by Dima Komarov
"Komarov took most of the portraits of the Mari in their traditional costumes in his native village. He also worked at the festival of Mari radio, where the celebrations and songs are held entirely in the Mari language. “There are many costumes for different purposes: for ceremonies, prayers, or weddings. All of the costumes have sophisticated, beautiful embroidery, symbols which can bring luck and good energy and ward off evil spirits. Almost every costume has the colour red. Men traditionally wear canvas shirts and trousers. Traditional jewellery for women, meanwhile, can weigh as much as 35kg,” he explains."
"Komarov’s visual study of Mari culture shows that there is no right or wrong way to relate to one’s heritage — it’s a journey not only across the physical landscape, but the landscape of your memories and emotions. “Every time I’m in my my native town and my grandma’s village, I feel endless love for my native culture and the places where I grew up,” he says. “Even though I sometimes feel like the culture is fading slowly, I hope that people who discover the new interest in Mari traditions will preserve and develop them.”
- Anastasiia Fedorova
