This photograph is part of the "Hyena Men" series by South African photographer Pieter Hugo. It depicts a man walking a hyena on a leash in Nigeria, specifically Mallam Galadima Ahmadu with his hyena, Jamis. Taken in 2005, this image is from a project that explores the relationship between these men, their animals (hyenas, pythons, and baboons), and their local community.

The series documents a group of traveling performers in Nigeria who use these animals for entertainment, medicine sales, and street performances. The striking and somewhat surreal visual elements highlight the blending of tradition, modernity, and survival in a complex cultural context.

Hugo's work raises questions about power dynamics, the commodification of nature, and the relationship between humans and animals. It has sparked discussions about representation and the ethical dimensions of documenting such communities.