The Vanishing Tribes of Burma

Most live deep in the mountains, where no roads exist, in a landscape so rugged even neighboring villages develop completely distinct languages. Because of the physical barriers separating them, the tribes from the remote regions of Burma live a style of life unchanged for centuries, each with its own rich culture and dress. Over 30 of these little-known groups and faces from all parts of the country, appear in these compelling photographs--photographs that testify not only to Richard Diran's skill as an artist, but to his persistence in the face of the tribes' suspicion and fear of foreigners. At times, the undertaking was outright dangerous, because of the constant guerrilla activity; the remarkable results, however, justify the many years' work, showcasing a spectacular variety of colorful and elaborate traditional costumes and jewelry, rare instruments, and, above all, unforgettable faces, rich in expressiveness and beauty.