The Travellers
By: Birte Kaufmann
Publisher: Verlag Kettler
Published: 2016
Place of publication: Dortmund
Language: eng
Number of pages: 143
ISBN-13: 9783862065813
Copyright date: 2016
Subjects: Irish Travellers (Nomadic people); Pictorial works; Social life and customs; Documentary photography; Trailer camps; Mobile home living; Manners and customs
Description: In Ireland, around 25,000 people still live in temporary settlements in the style of itinerant workers far removed from the amenities of Western civilisation. Moving from place to place in mobile homes without electricity and running water, the largest Catholic minority of the country is almost considered illegal, often maligned and faced with prejudices. Strangely out of step with 21st century lifestyle, they stick to their seemingly outdated traditions while also trying to find a new identity that fits in with modern society. Even in the present day, this ambiguity continues to define life for traveller community, whose livelihood depends on horse breeding and hunting and who keep their own language alive as part of their culture.00In 2011, the photographer Birte Kaufmann cautiously began to make contact with the travelling community, earning their trust and on some occasions living with them. For her portrayal of this unknown world, she needed to be in close contact with the families in order to capture their particular character and to avoid the usual stereotypes. Without a doubt, Birte Kaufmann?s combination of reportage and documentary photography hits the right note and offers impressive insights into an extraordinary world.