31 stunning vintage images found in the Nat Geo archives

Last month, I was inspired by our August 1999 issue on global cultures to curate images of traditional dress from around the world. One of the stories in the issue opened with a striking image by photographer Maria Stenzel of Ariaal warriors dressed in colorful fabrics in Kenya. The tribe remained nomadic despite government pressure to settle. (Related: Why Iran's nomads are fading away.)

For a story in June 1997, photographer Karen Kasmauski captured a detailed image of dancers wearing vibrant garments preparing to perform Yotsudake, an elegant Indigenous dance, in Ginowan, a city in Okinawa, Japan. The story documented efforts to celebrate Okinawa's unique heritage and identity, separate from Japan's influence and America's military presence. (Related: Why Okinawans are some of the world’s healthiest and happiest people.)

And on the island of St. Thomas, photographer Charles Allmon photographed a group of people dressed in stylish saris as they await their review at a Carnival parade competition in late spring. This image published in the February 1956 issue. (Related: These vibrant pictures show the Caribbean's Carnival "rebellion.")