2010 Photo Contest, Sports, 2nd prize
Photographer

Denis Rouvre

20 April, 2009

Senegalese wrestling, or laamb, is a mix of conventional wrestling and bare-fist boxing. Champions become national heroes and can earn big money. Traditionally, laamb was a demonstration of a young man's skill and strength in order to attract a partner. Rituals surrounding the centuries-old sport are almost as important as the wrestling itself. Fighters wear talismans for good luck and their bodies are coated with potions to drive away evil.

About the photographer

Denis Rouvre

Denis Rouvre is a portraitist, living and working in France. His photos have been nationally and internationally published. His latest series representing survivors from the tsun...

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