Many of the traditions chronicled in African Ceremonies will disappear with the next generation. Organized into sections corresponding to the cycle of life are nearly 850 full-color photographs. Beckwith and Fisher introduce each section with a concise, informative essay. But it is the pictures that do the talking. The Editors Wodaabe competition of male charm and personality, Niger .
Surma girls decorate their faces to demonstrate friendship, Ethiopia .
Grandmother dresses her granddaughter for Ndebele wedding, South Africa. Himba healing ceremony for women possessed by the spirit of a lion, Namibia.