Sub-Saharan Africa

I have done my best to identify the original sources, cultural contexts, and historical details of the images shared here. However, I recognize that some information may be incomplete or evolving.

I warmly welcome additional insights, corrections, or further information from community members, descendants, or anyone with deeper knowledge. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to share more about these images or their stories.

In this image, a Hadza mother from northern Tanzania shares a radiant, joyful moment with her baby, carried close in a colorful kitenge cloth tied across her chest. The baby leans forward curiously, watching as the mother gathers wild berries — a dai

In the tropical forests of Central Africa, among the Twa people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, babywearing continues as an unbroken thread of maternal care and connection. In this photograph, a woman nurses her child in a boldly patterned cloth

A young caregiver carries a sleeping child in a soft-structured back carrier made from animal hide, worn with the fur side facing out. The carrier hugs the child’s torso snugly, with a simple strap around the chest and narrow leather bands securing i

Adorned in bold colour and intricate beadwork, this West African mother carries her baby with regal poise and unwavering presence. Her wrap — a vibrant wax print folded diagonally and tied securely over one shoulder — creates a deep, hammock-like pou

In this image, a mother from the San people of southern Africa carries her child using a simple animal hide or cloth sling, tied lightly across her shoulder and chest. This style of carrying, often minimal and without structured ties, reflects a deep

In this image, a woman from coastal East Africa — likely from a Swahili community in Tanzania or Kenya — carries her peacefully sleeping child on her back, wrapped securely in a kanga. The kanga, a lightweight cotton cloth printed with vibrant design

In this image, a mother from West Africa — likely Senegal or a nearby region — carries her child securely on her back using a colorful wax print cloth known locally as a pagne or wrapper. The baby, adorned with beads and a bright hair tie, peeks curi

In a warm, golden-lit gathering space, a group of women sit closely together, their babies securely wrapped against their backs. The air hums with conversation and community, yet each child rests in peaceful stillness, held safely in cloth and care.

A mother walks through the trees with quiet strength, balancing a wide basin of bananas high on her head while her baby sleeps soundly on her back. The child is cradled low in a brightly patterned wrapper — gold with small black motifs — tied snugly

Tucked snugly into a boldly patterned wrapper, a baby beams with joy — his whole face lit up in a wide smile. The wrap, in warm golden tones with red and turquoise floral motifs, cradles him high on his caregiver’s back, holding him close with the qu

Wrapped in bold red, white, and black stripes, a Maasai mother carries her baby in the rhythmic style of her people — upright and close, against her back. Her beaded jewellery frames the moment with colour and meaning, echoing the community’s rich cu

A sleeping baby rests peacefully against their caregiver’s back, wrapped securely in a rich purple cloth embroidered with bright, textured geometric patches in a rainbow of colours. The baby’s soft cheek presses against their mother’s back, their lit

In this image, a mother carries her baby on her back using a long cloth wrap, tied securely over one shoulder and around her waist in the traditional East African style. The baby’s legs are positioned wide and supported from knee to knee, and the clo

In this image, a mother carries her toddler on her back using a wide piece of cloth securely wrapped around both of them, with the fabric brought under the child’s bottom and tied at the front. The child sits upright with legs straddling the mother’s

A smiling mother carries her child snugly on her back using a vibrant wax print cloth in bold navy, gold, and orange. The wrap features circular fish motifs and is tightly secured over her purple shirt. Her yellow headscarf is tied playfully with a w

A young woman stands calmly, her baby wrapped snugly against her chest in a brightly patterned cloth tied across her shoulder and back. The infant rests in an upright position, warmly dressed in a knitted pink beanie and nestled securely against thei

A mother walks purposefully through a busy outdoor setting, balancing a large metal basin on her head while her child rides contentedly on her back. The child, dressed in a bright green outfit, is securely wrapped in a colourful woven cloth with bold

A mother from Senegal carries her child close in a brightly coloured wax print wrap — a style instantly recognisable across West Africa. The child rests calmly against her back, secured high with legs tucked under the fabric and arms free. Her gaze i

A West African mother carries her sleeping child snugly against her back, wrapped in a boldly patterned cloth known as a wrapper or lappa. The rich green, orange, and black print is characteristic of the wax prints widely worn across the region, ofte

A young West African mother stands outside a thatched-roof hut, her baby carried at her hip in a boldly patterned wrapper secured with a pink tie. Her posture is confident and calm, one arm gently supporting the cloth while the other rests lightly ag

A young woman walks gracefully past a sunlit wall, her shadow trailing behind her as she balances a basket of lemons on her head. Her baby rides on her back, nestled securely in a traditional kitenge cloth — a richly patterned textile tied high and s

A young woman stands smiling, her baby sound asleep against her back, snugly secured in a boldly patterned wrapper. The baby is dressed in bright yellow and green fabrics that harmonise with the mother’s richly coloured attire in blues and pinks. The

A mother strides confidently through tall grass, balancing a large bowl of freshly harvested cassava on her head. Her baby is securely tied to her back with a muted patterned cloth, the child’s arms draped softly around her sides. The baby’s body is

A West African mother strides confidently along a weathered concrete wall, balancing a large basin on her head with practiced ease. Her baby is secured high and snug against her back in a traditional cloth wrapper, tied expertly across her chest in a

Wrapped in vivid colour from head to toe, this mother carries her child snugly against her back beneath a rainbow-striped shawl. A second cloth, tied securely around her waist, holds the child high and close in the traditional East African style. The

A mother stands ankle-deep in a quiet stream, scooping water with a large calabash bowl. Her baby is wrapped securely on her back with a kente-style cloth, legs tucked in comfortably and gaze lifted toward her with joy and curiosity. Their shared smi

This striking image shows a Hamar mother from the Omo Valley in Ethiopia carrying her child on her back using a leather strap and cloth wrap, a traditional method that keeps the baby close and secure. Her beautifully styled hair, coated with ochre an

In what is now Zimbabwe, the quiet strength of mothers shines through every daily journey. Here, a woman balances a full bundle on her head, cradles a small goat in her arms, and carries her baby nestled against her back — all at once. Wrapped in a s

In lush West African fields, a mother carries her baby wrapped snugly in a bright, patterned cloth as she tends to the land. The vivid reds and yellows echo the warmth of her body and the life growing around her. Each gentle sway of her walk teaches

In East African villages, carrying a baby on the back is both a necessity and a quiet act of love. Here, mothers in Uganda gather in a crowd, their babies tied snugly against them with simple cloths. From this high perch, babies watch the swirl of co

In this powerful and beautifully detailed photograph, a Himba mother from northern Namibia carries her young child against her back using a traditional leather carrier. The child’s small body leans closely into her, legs wrapped around her hips, held

A woman from the Wodaabe (Bororo Fulani) people carries her baby high on her back, secured in place with a cloth and adorned beaded harness. The structured frame features rows of sticks, beads, and cowrie shells — both decorative and symbolic. Her sk

Kneeling at the threshold of her home, a woman grinds grain with rhythmic focus, her body leaning over the stone slab worn smooth by generations. Wrapped closely on her back, her baby watches the world with quiet eyes, cradled in deep blue cloth that

In a sunlit street scene from West Africa, mothers move through the marketplace with their babies carried securely on their backs in colourful woven cloths. Each wrap is tied high and snug, supporting the child’s body from knee to neck, with fabric d

Himba women from northern Namibia walk together, one mother carrying her baby high on her back in a beautifully patterned cloth wrap. The baby peeks out curiously from the secure bundle, eyes wide and observant, taking in the world from the safety of

A mother from the San people of southern Africa walks barefoot through the golden grasses of the Kalahari, a bundle of straw tucked under her arm. Her baby rests snugly against her back, cradled in a simple sling made from softened animal hide, the s

In this stunning contemporary photograph, a Himba mother from northern Namibia carries her baby close against her back, secured by a simple cloth or hide wrap. The mother’s strong arm gently adjusts the carrier, embodying the constant attentiveness a

In Mozambique, the capulana is more than just cloth — it is a living symbol of identity, care, and community. Here, a mother wraps her child high on her back in a plaid-patterned capulana, holding them close as she moves through daily life. The baby

In the dry, open landscape of northern Kenya, a Somali mother carries her child on her hip using a striped shawl knotted tightly across one shoulder. Her vibrant red wrap dress and layered fabrics offer both protection and expression, blending practi

Across the Sahel and West African plains, mothers carry their babies low on their backs, nestled in indigo-dyed cloths that shimmer under the sun. Here, a mother strides gracefully beneath her heavy bundle of gathered firewood, her baby resting again

Among the Tonga and Chewa communities of Southern Africa, mothers wrap their babies in vibrant chitenje cloths, keeping them nestled against the chest, close to the warmth of heart and voice. Here, a mother’s gentle hands rest as her child gazes out,

Two mothers from Tanzania carry their sleeping babies nestled securely in patterned kitenge cloths, tied high and close across their bare backs. The vibrant, wax-resist prints — deep ochres, greens, and bold motifs — reflect the region’s visual story

In East Africa, the versatile kanga cloth has long carried stories, messages, and children. Here, in a bright hospital room in Tanzania, a mother practices kangaroo mother care, wrapping her tiny twins against her chest with colorful kangas. This int

Across the Sahel, where wind shapes the dunes and sun bleaches the earth, mothers carry their babies wrapped in colorful cloths and sheer veils adorned with delicate embroidery. Here, a mother shields her child beneath a shared cover, protecting them

Along the West African coast, from Nigeria to Ghana and beyond, mothers wrap their babies in vibrant, versatile cloths known as wrappers or kangas. Here, a mother strides across the beach, her child nestled snugly against her back, both adorned in gl

In Maasai communities, carrying is more than a practical task — it is a living thread woven into every aspect of daily life, from the savannah to the classroom. Here, a mother stands before her students, teaching mathematics and English, her baby wra

In this extraordinary and intimate photograph by Frans Lanting, a mother in the Okavango Delta region of Botswana carries her child on her back as she wades into the water, skillfully maneuvering a large woven fishing basket. The child, securely tied

In this image, a mother from Madagascar carries her baby peacefully on her back, wrapped securely in a lamba — a traditional cloth deeply woven into Malagasy life. The baby sleeps soundly, held close and high against her back, sheltered within the mo

In this image, a Samburu woman from northern Kenya carries her baby close in a cloth sling tied securely across her chest, allowing for breastfeeding on the move. Her beautifully layered beaded collars and forehead ornament reflect deep cultural iden

Among the Maasai, carrying a child is as vibrant and intentional as the beads that grace each mother’s neck. Here, a mother uses a boldly patterned kanga to hold her baby snugly at her side, offering both security and a window to the world. The baby’

In Sierra Leone, the colorful lappa cloth is a symbol of both practicality and deep cultural pride. Here, mothers move through lively markets and village paths with their babies tied securely to their backs, wrapped in cloths that dance with bold pat

Across Southern and Eastern Africa, mothers wrap their babies snugly against their backs using colorful chitenje or kitenge cloths, transforming everyday fabric into a safe haven. Here, as a mother sits among her community, her baby rests deeply, lul

Among the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, mothers wrap their babies in vibrant shuka cloths, securing them high on their backs. The bright reds and blues echo across the savannah, while elaborate beadwork speaks of lineage, identity, and pride. Babies

In this image, a Hamar mother from southwestern Ethiopia carries her baby in a beautifully crafted hide carrier, adorned with rows of cowrie shells. The carrier, worn across her back and shoulders, reflects both artistry and practicality, allowing th

In this powerful and striking portrait by photographer Liv Stockley, a Himba mother from northern Namibia stands confidently with her child nestled securely on her back. The mother’s calm, dignified expression and proud posture beautifully convey her

In Senegal and across West Africa, a mother’s colorful pagne carries more than her baby — it carries tradition, strength, and a quiet joy that pulses through community gatherings and market days. Here, a baby sleeps peacefully, nestled against his mo

This joyful and inspiring image shows a modern mother, likely from West Africa, blending traditional babywearing with contemporary life. With one baby snuggled securely on her back in a soft cloth wrap and another giggling on her lap, she works confi

This joyful portrait shows a mother wearing traditional Ethiopian dress, carrying her baby in a stunning orange keno, a type of woven baby carrier still widely used today. The bright fabric, decorative beadwork, and embroidered details celebrate cult

Two Zulu mothers stand side by side, each with a child carried snugly on her back in a cloth wrap tied across the chest. Photographed in the early 20th century in what is now South Africa, this studio portrait captures both strength and softness — up

A note of gratitude and respect

We respectfully acknowledge and honor the individuals and communities depicted in historical images throughout this series. Many of these photographs were taken in times and contexts where informed consent as we understand it today was not sought or given, and some may have been created through coercion or exploitation.

We share these images with the deepest gratitude, not to romanticize or objectify, but to recognize and celebrate the strength, resilience, and wisdom of these cultural practices. We hold these ancestors and knowledge holders in our hearts and aim to represent their traditions with integrity, humility, and care.

We commit to continuing to learn, listen, and uplift the voices of contemporary community members and descendants, and we welcome guidance on the respectful sharing of these images.