NYC Fashion Portrait Photography | Kalonji x Moko Jumbie

I took these fashion portraits of Kalonji. In his own words:

Hi my name is Kalonji Stout. I'm 21 and from the Us. Virgin Islands, I'm currently showcasing the tall figure you see now which is called a Moko Jumbie. This is an art form that originated in west Africa and migrated to the Caribbean in the 1800s. The Moko Jumbie was viewed as a guardian of the village and would repel all the bad spirits and negative energy. It is a staple in Virgin Islands culture and is now used for a more festive purpose such as parades, carnivals, and local events.