The Hyena Handlers

Traveling Performers in Nigerian Cities

Crocuta crocuta

"The Hyena Handlers" presents a captivating hand-drawn natural-history illustration from the "Hyena Men from Nigeria" collection, delving into the centuries-old cultural practice observed in Nigerian cities. This meticulous plate portrays *Crocuta crocuta*, the spotted hyena, alongside its human handlers, set against an urban Nigerian backdrop. The artwork skillfully captures the essence of this complex interspecies relationship, highlighting the traditional artistry of the performers and the unique bond cultivated through specialised training. The naturalistic rendering of the hyenas includes detailed anatomical features such as their digitigrade stance, powerful dentition with prominent premolars and carnassial teeth, non-retractable claws, and distinctive auditory pinnae. The depiction of these fascinating mammals, classified under the category of Carnivores, offers a unique blend of zoological study and cultural observation. The hyenas' robust physique and the handlers' interaction are rendered with an emphasis on authenticity, showcasing the intersection of urban wildlife and human cultural practices in Africa. The artwork's palette, likely employing ochre, sepia, and brown tones, enhances its historical and natural-history aesthetic, making it an invaluable addition to any collection. This scientifically informed illustration serves multiple purposes: as an educational resource for anthropology and zoology, an editorial piece shedding light on global cultural practices, or a distinctive framed print for natural history enthusiasts. It provides a scholarly yet accessible window into the lives of both the animals and the people involved in this extraordinary cultural phenomenon.

Region: Nigeria
Year: 2022
Dimensions: 3520 × 4800 px
Format: JPG
File size: 13 MB

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