I had a strong impression this woman was one of two who were responsible for much of the day to day running of the Maharajah's retreat at Kileswar in Gujarat's Barda Hills. When we first arrived, she, like most locals we met, maintained a dignified politeness. A kind of cautious welcome. By the end of the week, we were treated to smiles like this.Only women were tattooed this extensively. Afterwards, we were told, the swelling is so severe that eating is not possible for about three days.
All content © 2008 Pete McGregor
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7 comments:
Such beautiful kindness in her eyes...
Two wonderful portraits of strong and happy women - and a great credit to you that you elicit beaming smiles like these!
Beautiful tattoos, but I can just imagine how painful.
This is a much warmer smile.
Emma, yes, I agree...
RR, thank you. The women were certainly strong in several respects, including physically. We watched as this woman helped hoist an enormously heavy bowl onto the head of her companion. The well-practised technique helped, but it must have required great physical strength — and if I'd tried carrying something that heavy on my head I've have probably broken my neck. As well as that pyhysical strength, this woman in particular had a powerful presence that commanded respect.
I agree about the warmth of her smile, Zhoen. The other, older woman had encountered us less often, so her smile was tempered by a little shyness.
She's beautiful and she looks like a kind woman. I wish it was socially acceptable for a Pakeha woman to wear clothing like that. Such gorgeous colours!
As for those tattoos ... wow. Do you know if they have any meaning?
Anne-Marie, Aotearoa, for all its own special beauty, can sometimes seem drab and reserved after India. The tattoos: I speak with no authority, but would be greatly surprised to find they were purely decorative. Ritual formed a noticeable part of the day there.
I'd love to go back and live there for a while; try to learn and understand more.
Anne-Marie, you'd do fine in L.A. or New York City if you chose to dress in that style... :)
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