Quilombo da Lapinha, Matias Cardoso - Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2017
"Lavadeiras" were women who historically did theirs and others’ laundries in the São Francisco River. For these washerwomen the river was not only their workplace, but also a social and cultural venue. They used to sing traditional songs, tell stories and pass on their knowledge while they worked. For this reason, and through their occupation, they developed a more intimate relationship with the river. Nowadays, the lavadeiras are increasingly uncommon. That’s mainly because of modern water distribution systems and technological advancements such as the advent of washing machines. Still, many older women who used to be lavadeiras say to this day they miss their old job and that the river-washed laundry smells better. This picture was made at Quilombo da Lapinha, where they still wash their clothes in a distributary channel of the Velho Chico (an affectionate name for the São Francisco River).
DO YOU LIKE THIS PHOTO?
Buy it and strengthen the Quilombolas struggle in COVID-19 times.
Buy it and strengthen the Quilombolas struggle in COVID-19 times.
