This photograph is Pieter Hugo's series "The Hyena and Other Men", created in 2005. It features Mallam Mantari Lamal with his hyena, Mainasara, and was taken in Nigeria. The series captures a group of traveling performers in Nigeria, who often use animals like hyenas, baboons, and pythons as part of their acts. These individuals live a unique lifestyle, blending performance art, traditional medicine, and street entertainment to make a living.

The setting in this photograph showcases a rural backdrop, likely reflecting the everyday environment of these performers. The connection between the man and the animal, tethered by a rope and displayed with an air of both control and partnership, creates a striking visual narrative. The inclusion of worn, colorful attire with cultural significance adds another layer of depth to the composition.

This particular image, like the others in the series, raises questions about the relationship between humans and animals, the influence of tradition in contemporary life, and the nature of survival in challenging conditions. It has been displayed internationally alongside other works in the series, bringing global attention to these performers and sparking dialogue about representation and ethical storytelling in photography.