Eritrean Welders

Portrait-Series: Where welders' face shields turn into stylish fashion objects

Welders with self-made welders' face shields and spectacles at the metalwork Medeber market in Asmara, Eritrea. In this huge workshop-market, the centre of Asmara's recycling industry, workers turn heaps of scrap metal into useful items such as cooking utensils. The market is a symbol for the Eritrean national mantra of self-reliance. At the same time, its workers use their protective masks as a symbol of individuality and to make a fashion statement.