Berber cave house, Matmata, Tunisia, 2008 by Phil Douglis

Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Eight: Light and shadow shape meaning > Berber cave house, Matmata, Tunisia, 2008

previous | next


14-NOV-2008

Berber cave house, Matmata, Tunisia, 2008

Berbers have been living in cave houses here for centuries. I use the diagonal play of light and shadow here to suggest the passage of the ages. There is also a diagonal relationship between a young Berber boy and a hungry cat.

Leica V-Lux 1
1/800s f/8.0 at 21.7mm iso100 hide exif

Full EXIF Info
Date/Time	14-Nov-2008 08:30:18
Make	Leica
Model	V-LUX 1
Flash Used	No
Focal Length	21.7 mm
Exposure Time	1/800 sec
Aperture	f/8
ISO Equivalent	100
Exposure Bias	-0.66
White Balance
Metering Mode	center weighted (2)
JPEG Quality
Exposure Program	program (2)
Focus Distance

other sizes: small medium large original auto

previous | next

Phil Douglis		27-Oct-2009 20:46
There is a lot happening here, Claudia. It is an amazing place, and we were fortunate to be able to visit here. As to how can a home be a tourist attraction, the answer is one word -- money. The owners of this cave house welcome visitors because they are paid to do so.

BleuEvanescence		24-Oct-2009 17:59
Also, from the little i know and see, i can only imagine that living in the dark (i don't see too many windows...) must be an influencing factor on who you are and how you approach life...outside. This is so intriguing. How can a home be a tourist attraction place? I would feel the same way as this young man. The cat is definitely too skinny... Another of your breathtaking images...

Phil Douglis		29-Nov-2008 20:04
Thanks for interpreting the diagonal shadow as symbolizing the young Berber's indecision on whether to hide, or reveal his presence. I can appreciate why he might feel indecisive -- his home is under siege by visiting tourists.

Carol E Sandgren		29-Nov-2008 05:55
The Berber looks apprehensive about hiding or showing himself in his doorway. Perhaps the shadow's half and half effect here could also be interpreted in this way.

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment