Roberto Pazzi
The Hell of Clay
Portrait of a brick factory worker framed by rows of bricks (Madagascar).
HUMANKIND, my premium, limited-edition, museum-quality standard book featuring over 200 large-format photos is available here: robertopazziphoto.com/#book
In Madagascar, as in many other countries, brick production remains a predominantly manual craft.
Clay is dug from the ground by hand, pressed into simple molds, dried slowly under the sun, and finally hardened in basic kilns fueled mainly by rice husk.
At every stage, workers carry heavy loads, often balancing bricks on their heads while enduring intense heat and swirling dust.
Earnings are generally meager and calculated per brick, a system that compels entire families to participate in the work. Children and adolescents are frequently present, sometimes entrusted with physically demanding or hazardous tasks close to the kilns.
Overall, the labor environment is severe, marked by long hours, a complete lack of protective equipment, and the absence of effective regulatory oversight.
Website: robertopazziphoto.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/roberto_pazzi_photo
The Hell of Clay
Portrait of a brick factory worker framed by rows of bricks (Madagascar).
HUMANKIND, my premium, limited-edition, museum-quality standard book featuring over 200 large-format photos is available here: robertopazziphoto.com/#book
In Madagascar, as in many other countries, brick production remains a predominantly manual craft.
Clay is dug from the ground by hand, pressed into simple molds, dried slowly under the sun, and finally hardened in basic kilns fueled mainly by rice husk.
At every stage, workers carry heavy loads, often balancing bricks on their heads while enduring intense heat and swirling dust.
Earnings are generally meager and calculated per brick, a system that compels entire families to participate in the work. Children and adolescents are frequently present, sometimes entrusted with physically demanding or hazardous tasks close to the kilns.
Overall, the labor environment is severe, marked by long hours, a complete lack of protective equipment, and the absence of effective regulatory oversight.
Website: robertopazziphoto.com/
Instagram: instagram.com/roberto_pazzi_photo