Stilt Fishermen

Explore / Adventure

Stilt Fishermen

Levison Wood

Each print is printed on Canson Baryta Gloss paper with a standard 38mm border applied. Limited editions will be delivered with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the photographer giving limited edition provenance.

Prices are for print only. We offer fine art framing and mounting services by enquiry, please contact framing@wildspaces.com.

£750.00

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Packaging & Delivery

Your print is carefully protected using tissue paper / bubble wrap then placed in a robust cardboard tube and sealed at both ends. Please allow up to 10 days for delivery. International rates upon request - send details to matt@wildspaces.com for a quote.

Behind the Image

by Levison Wood

Despite looking like an ancient practice, the Sri Lankan method of stilt fishing actually started after the Second World War, when food shortages led locals to adopt a different method fishing.

At first, the fishermen made use of the wreckage of aircraft and damaged boats left behind after the conflict to gain a vantage spot over swarming fish, later progressing to the use of these stilts. However, after the tsunami of 2004, many of the shorelines were altered and this way of fishing became more difficult.

Nowadays, many of the fishermen continue to eke out a living by charging tourists to take photos, but these men were the real deal and didn't mind me hanging out with them for a few hours at dawn near to Cape Weligama. I watched one elderly man sit for four hours perched on his stilt and returned with a bucketful of fish for his family.