In the heart of the western Balkans, an ancient tattooing tradition quietly endured for centuries, passed down through generations by the steady hands of mothers. Known as sicanje, this ritual was far more than decorative—it was a sacred practice rooted in …
Long before today’s video calls became part of daily life, videophones were the stuff of science fiction, futuristic devices imagined in movies, magazines, and the minds of tech visionaries. The ability to see and speak with someone in real time across vast…
Before it broke apart into the independent nations of Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, the Balkans were united under the name Yugoslavia. This diverse region has always been rich in history, tradition, and …
Back in the days when rock stars ruled the stage and pushed every boundary they could, there was one thing that never failed to grab attention: tight pants. Long before Instagram and stylists, musicians had their own way of standing out, and squeezing into …
There’s something deeply haunting about seeing the final photographs of people who once captivated the world with their talent, presence, or power. These images, often taken just days, hours, or even minutes before their deaths, offer a rare and intimat…
Prom night in the 1990s was more than just a school dance, it was a full-blown cultural event. From the moment invitations were sent out to the last slow dance of the evening, every detail felt larger than life. It was a night built on anticipation, careful…
Jet engines are designed to propel aircraft through the skies, but their immense power and searing heat have also been put to work in unexpected ways on the ground. From battling raging oil fires to melting thick layers of ice and snow, these high-powered m…
These vintage photos capture the sun-soaked beaches and towering waves of the 1960s and 1970s, a time when surf culture wasn’t just a pastime but a way of life. From California’s shimmering coastline to the shores of Australia and New Zealand, surfing wasn’…
Long before streaming services made movies available with the click of a button, a Friday night ritual played out in neighborhoods across America: a trip to the local video store. It wasn’t just about watching a movie; it was about the experience. Wandering…
Terry Fox was a Canadian athlete, humanitarian, and cancer research activist whose remarkable determination turned personal tragedy into a national movement. In 1980, after losing his right leg to cancer, Fox set out on an ambitious cross-country run to rai…
The 1970s were a fascinating era for children's toys, driven by advancing technology and the influence of popular culture. Electronic toys like Simon, an addictive memory game, and the Atari gaming system brought new, interactive play experiences into home…
In 1971, Chicago’s Tri-Taylor neighborhood stood on the brink of transformation. Nestled on the Near West Side, this once-thriving community was home to families, corner stores, and aging buildings that had weathered the passage of time. Yet, within just a …
The 1990s witnessed a fashion trend that many considered strange, as wide-leg jeans emerged as a bold and unconventional statement. These oversized denim pieces, often referred to as baggy pants, defined a generation that embraced rebellion, individuality, …
Cyd Charisse was more than just a dazzling presence in Hollywood’s Golden Age, she was a force of elegance and precision, a dancer whose every movement seemed effortlessly fluid yet impossibly precise. In the 1950s, she became one of the most sought-after s…
One of the most unexpected figures to gain internet fame centuries after his time, Joseph Ducreux was an 18th-century French painter whose self-portraits have found new life in the digital age. Unlike the stiff, formal portraits typical of his era, Ducreux’…
These remarkable photographs, taken by Cynthia Hilsden during a journey through Yugoslavia in the early 1980s, offer a rare glimpse into daily life across the country. From the historic streets of Dubrovnik to the bustling avenues of Zagreb, the images show…
In the 1970s, before strict safety regulations and cautious parents redefined playgrounds, neighborhood parks were filled with towering jungle gyms, scorching metal slides, and hazardous contraptions that somehow doubled as childhood entertainment. Despite …
The Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan is a rare example of an industrial accident transforming into a major tourist attraction. In 1971 (possibly), a Soviet exploratory team searching for natural gas is believed to have triggered a chain reaction that led …
Men’s hairstyles in the 1970s embraced a wide range of styles, from long, flowing hair to shorter, more structured cuts. The shag, with its layered, tousled look, became a defining style of the decade, while the bowl cut offered a more uniform shape with it…
These striking images from 1948 show daily life at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, capturing the experiences of female students at one of the nation's most prestigious women’s liberal arts colleges. Taken by LIFE magazine photographer Peter Sta…