The Narikuravarn people of Tamil Nadu

Outside of Mahabalipuram in the Indian state Tamil Nadu, the settlement of Poonjeri is home to around 40 Narikuravar families.

The Narikuravar are a semi-nomadic community of approximately 30,000 people that are spread in small groups across the state. Historically, their main source of livelihood was hunting, but this has become almost impossible since laws were tightened to protect wild animals. Today, the Narikuravar make a living primarily from making bead necklaces and other jewelry which they sell on the streets, in front of temples, and at festivals.

The Narikuravar people have experienced discrimination ever since ancient times and were long considered “untouchables”. In 2023, the Indian central government finally granted the Narikuravar people “scheduled tribe” status. But the Narikuravar people continue to be marginalized to this day. Access to healthcare, education and formal employment is still limited. Historically rooted prejudices persist in the Indian population.

The Narikuravar in Poonjeri, who are portrayed here, live today in small stone houses built for them by various organizations after a tsunami destroyed the community’s settlement in 2004.

Steff Gruber

Steff Gruber (1953) is a Swiss photographer and filmmaker. He worked as a press photographer for Keystone Press and was one of the first filmmakers to explore the docudrama genre. He became internationally known with his documentary LOCATION AFRICA about the filming of COBRA VERDE, the last collaboration between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski. His award-winning films have been shown at various international film festivals.

Based on his interest in documentary, Gruber began shooting photo stories in various countries, focusing on human interest subjects and humanist concerns. Visiting places and people on repeated occasions, many of his photo series were produced over a period of several years.

In 2020 Gruber opened the Lumiere.Gallery for digital photo exhibitions and is a member of the Swiss Association of Journalists and Photographers IMPRESSUM.