Category Winners of the Year Winner

Tsam : The Dancing Demons

Photographer

Jatenipat Ketpradit

Category

People Photography - Culture

Company

Submission Group

Professional

Year

2023

Country / Region

Thailand

This is the photos set of "Tsam" Mask Dance in Mongolia. It was was shoot at “Amarbayasgalant Monastery” one of the three largest and oldest Buddhist monastic centers in Mongolia



Tsam dance was born during the 8th century. It's one of the most important ritual of Tibetan Buddhism. Young lamas dance it, wearing costumes and masks that symbolize different apostles, devils, animals, or real persons. The dance principally stages characters of Buddhist legends and animals that symbolise good and bad influences.



Mongolian masks symbolizing the actual presence of a deity never have their eyes pierced. The performers therefore had to look through the mouths of the masks, adding extra height to the performer. As the temporary residence of gods and demons, masks are like statues and treated as sacred objects. When not in use, they were stored in monasteries and paid homage to in daily rituals.

Professional
2023
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Photographer / Company

Diana Rubi

Category

Fine Art Photography - Portrait

Country / Region

United States

Professional
2023
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Tabby Chase

Photographer / Company

Amanda Plude

Category

People Photography - Children

Country / Region

United States

Professional
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Photographer / Company

Nico Trinkhaus

Category

Architecture Photography - Exterior

Country / Region

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Amateur
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Photographer / Company

Mark Tomalla

Category

Special Category - Long Exposure Photography

Country / Region

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