Nyala, the Suri Land Guardian 2022

Nyala, the Suri Land Guardian, she stands as a sentinel of her heritage, embodying the pride, strength, and unwavering determination of her people.

One golden afternoon, I watched as Nyala moved silently through the tall grass, each step purposeful and deliberate. She paused beneath an ancient tree, resting her hand on its weathered bark as if drawing strength from its timeless roots. “This land carries our stories,” she said in a low but resolute voice. “The trees, the rivers, the stones—they remember our ancestors. Protecting this land is protecting their memory.”

She gestured toward a distant hill, silhouetted against the horizon, where her community gathers for ceremonies to honor the spirits of their forebears. “Without this land, we are unmoored,” she continued. “It holds our past, cradles our present, and carries the hope for our future.”

A Suri family stands together 2022

A Suri family stands together, a striking representation of unity and resilience. The father, tall and steady, holds his rifle—a prized possession among the Suri. To them, a rifle is not just a tool, but a symbol of protection, strength, and the responsibility to guard their family and land.

In the Suri tribe, family is at the heart of the community. Parents teach their children about survival, while elders pass down stories and wisdom from generations past. Together, they are guardians of the land, the cattle, and the river—resources that define their way of life.

Despite the pressures of modernization, land disputes, and environmental changes, the Suri remain steadfast in preserving their culture and traditions. This portrait is more than just a family—it is a powerful representation of the strength and unity that comes from their connection to one another, their heritage, and the land they call home.

Note: The text above was written by the Artist. No modification was made by COCA.

Matilde Simas

Portugal

https://www.matildesimas.com/omo-valley-suri-guardian-portraits

Matilde Simas is a Boston-based, award-winning photojournalist and visual storyteller whose work centers on human rights, gender, social justice, and cultural preservation—both locally and throughout the Global South. Her imagery has been featured by the U.S. State Department and UN agencies, including UNICEF, the International Organization for Migration, and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

Her work has been exhibited internationally at venues such as the Museo Nazionale Etrusco in Rome, the Kenyan National Archives, and during Paris Photo Week. As the Executive Director of Capture Humanity, Simas leverages photography as a tool for advocacy, education, and social change.