HPR Archive / 2026
Two World, One Heart: The Mothes of Mubone
Herve Shabani
About the project
Two World, One Heart: The Mothes of Mubone
In the smoldering landscape of Mubone, the central landfill where all the waste of Bujumbura is gathered a group of resilient women find a means of survival amidst the city's debris. Their days are spent scavenging and sorting charcoal from the discarded refuse to sell and sustain their households. This series captures their dual reality, bridging the gap between their grueling labor in the dust and the quiet, dignified homes they protect. It is a tribute to these invisible heroes who live by the grace of what the city throws away, turning discarded energy into a future for their children.