vibrant…traditional…practical…
the indigenous clothing of Peru…
Throughout my week in the area…
I would marvel at the women walking down the streets in the small villages or working in the fields.
Composed…filled with confidence…
one colorful creation after another…
An important component of their wardrobe…the traditional Andean shawl…
secured at the front using a straight pin or a safety pin or tied with a simple knot…
The shawl is used to keep them warm during the chilly time of year…
and of course to carry their children or supplies on their backs…
It was very common to see women wear sweaters or cardigans…
and I understand that they will often decorate them with beads or pins…
And those long braids of hair…perfectly woven back and forth…so beautiful.
The skirts…many women will wear multiples…one over the other…
and those boots and leggings…adorable.
Every middle aged woman I encountered had beautiful wrinkle-free skin. How could that be when so much of their life is outdoors and the sun so strong? When I asked…a simple secret revealed…hats. And I must say…there wasn’t one person out in the country that wasn’t wearing one. Like we all know…we pay dearly later in life for all those days basking in the sun! Love little Bella and Hannah Montana below! Both spending their days in the fields…along with their mommas.
Not only an important component to the wardrobe…hats come in many styles and colors…
I so admire the women of the Andean Highlands…
spending their days in the fields…
carrying their children on the backs as they work…
tending to their homes and families…
they so have my respect.
I’ll never forget during the potato harvest and one of the women with her baby (Bella above)…one minute stoking the small ceremonial fire for the harvest…the next minute digging potatoes…all the time carrying her child on her back…not to mention a short break to breast feed her…it puts it all in perspective. Life is hard, but oh so beautiful here…which reminded me of a Sebastiao Salgado quote…which by the way you must see The Salt of the Earth…an amazing documentary that will leave you filled with emotion and inspiration…regardless if you’re a photographer or not…
“What I want is the world to remember the problems and the people I photograph. What I want is to create a discussion about what is happening around the world and to provoke some debate with these pictures. Nothing more than this. I don’t want people to look at them and appreciate the light and the palate of tones. I want them to look inside and see what the pictures represent, and the kind of people I photograph.” – Sebastiao Salgado
All I can say is I would be in trouble because I do not like hats unless it is a ball cap.
I LIKE THE COLORS THEY WEAR!!! Where do they get the material????
LOL…I know what you mean about hats! They weave a lot of their own material and they also purchase whenever they’re able to get to a village large enough to sell fabric and clothes. Thanks for stopping by!
Adore their sense of colour and their clothes. And yes those great hats!! What style what individuality. Wonderful photos Robin!
Thank you so much Catherine! Appreciate the shout out too!
Love it all … every hat, braid, layered skirt, dusty boots & leggings! And there is that air of confidence that shows, how very awesome!
I knew you’d love it! I totally agree!! Thank you!!
How can you not be totally enthralled, in every way! Thank you for show-and-telling us this in exactly this way, Ms. Robin.
Thank you so much Ginnie!
The photographs are amazing as useful and really bring out how colourful and unique their clothing is. There is something dignified and timeless in their gait and manner which makes them, to me at least, seem almost like ambassadors from a more grounded and less troubled age. I do love your Blog you know.
I couldn’t agree more Peter! A less troubled age…like that…but then you are the writer!! Thanks always…I’m so glad that you do!
Wherever I am in the world I love to watch the life of the women. So many similarities and so many differences. Caring for their families ,hard working, holding it all together. The physical closeness they have with their children in the developing countries. I love every single picture you are showing here – the wonderful faces and the effort they take to dress so beautifully.
As usual – magnificent !
I’m with you…the backbone of every society! Thank you so much!!
Robin, For some strange reason, I seem to have stopped receiving email notifications of your blog posts. And, of course, it’s likely I have done something to make this occur! I missed your posts so much I came looking – and what a feast! Like a letter from a dear friend, your posts bring another world to me! Your images tell a colorful story and, like you, I have tremendous respect for these women. Thank you for bringing their stories to my front door.
Oh no! I have missed you! Who knows what happens in the big web of ours, ha! But glad you found your way “home!” Thank you so much…always appreciated!
Do you know that you are a very lucky lady to be able to see this beauty with your own eyes and that they allow you to take those fabulous pictures….. wowser.
I love those closeups on the boots and stockings.
All those colours, all those details, all those hats…..
Love and hugs.
I know…so so fortunate to travel and get to peek inside the world of other cultures. Love every second and never take it for granted! And you know me and details! 🙂 Thank you so much Astrid! xo
Once again your have captured the essence of a locale, this time through their dignified and tireless women. Through your lovely images we learn these are very proud women, which is apparent in their colorful attire, to their stalwart stride. My hat is off them.
Thanks Abby! So appreciate your comments! My hat is so off to them too!
A fashion post – love it! I would happily wear all those clothes- well maybe except from the black and green skirt. Beautiful!
LOL…yes, a fashion post just when you least expect it! Thank you!!
Beautiful quote, beautiful post. I thought that first one was my fav, but then I scrolled down. Amazing capture of colors! And yes, I do see the stories in each person you photograph. Your are so talented!
Glorious shots! You bring such respect and integrity to your work. Just so good.