During his pursuit of a different story in Malaysia, award-winning photographer Ernest Goh chanced upon Ayan Seramas.

Prized for their build, size, behaviour and showmanship, Ayan Seramas are a breed of ornamental chickens raised for their beauty and entered into Chicken Beauty Pageants. Judged on their stance, temperament and quality of their wing, comb and tail, owners of Seramas proudly regard their chickens as warriors or soldiers, ready for battle. Goh explains:

“As a photographer, I am always interested in photographing the human condition. But this human condition does not exist in a vacuum as we share the natural world with animals. My interest in photographing animals is a natural extension of my interest in the human condition, because we are all inextricably linked to each other. We cannot exist without the other. I hope that “Cocks” and my other animal series can in some way encourage us to reflect upon our relationship with animals.”

 

The fascinating photo series has culminated in a 96 page hardcover book entitled, Cocks. There’s also a great 5-minute behind-the-scenes video with Goh that explores this subculture (embedded below). For more, be sure to check out Goh’s amazing photography at the links below.

[via Huffington Post]