Young Girl Outside Manhiya Palace, Kumasi, Ghana

In the photographic depiction of childhood, a central theme is the intricate relationship between adults and the young.   Some adults are seen on the periphery, not completely engaged with the child, but standing at an arm's length in a supervisory role. Other adults, through gesture or embrace, convey their desire to nurture, guide, support, and protect. In this photograph, from Robert Lyons's series Another Africa, the focus is squarely on the young girl. Although the adult holding her hand is clearly in a supportive role, only a portion of his body is included the frame; the man is headless, cropped across one shoulder and above the knee.