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South African woman carrying goods on her head
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South African woman carrying goods on her head
A south african woman, carrying her baby on her back with a wide variety of other goods balanced somewhat precariously (or so it seems to the uninitiated) on her head, including pans, rugs, mats, a large round container and some fabric. Date: circa 1920
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Media ID 7156181
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10494278
Balance Balancing Beads Carry Cloths Container Goods Lifts Mats Necklaces Pans Rolls Rugs Supporting Transports Weight Chattels
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative black-and-white photograph captures the resilience and strength of a South African woman from circa 1920, as she skillfully carries the burden of her daily life on her head. The scene unfolds in a rural setting, where the woman, dressed in traditional attire, supports her baby on her back with a soft cloth wrap. The weight of her chattels, including pans, rugs, mats, a large round container, and some fabric, seems precariously balanced, defying the laws of gravity. Her neck is adorned with intricate beadwork and necklaces, adding to the visual allure of the image. The woman's ability to carry such a heavy load on her head is a testament to the deep-rooted cultural practice of head carrying, which has been a common means of transportation for women in many African societies for centuries. This social custom not only allowed women to multitask, carrying their children and household items at the same time, but also helped to free their hands for other tasks. Despite the apparent precariousness of the load, the woman's posture and expression convey a sense of calm confidence, reflecting her mastery of this age-old technique. The photograph offers a glimpse into the daily life of a South African woman from the early 20th century, highlighting the enduring strength and resilience of African women and their unique ways of coping with the challenges of rural life.
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