Celia D. Luna's photo series celebrates the defiance of indigenous Bolivian women

[Judi Lynn]

© Celia D. Luna

The Peruvian photographer discusses her latest subjects: women skateboarding in Bolivia while wearing indigenous dress.

WRITTEN BY: TOM MAY

14 MARCH 2023

Traditional clothing and hanging 10 aren't generally two things that go together. So photographer Celia D. Luna's series really grabbed our attention. It focuses on Bolivian women wearing indigenous clothing while skateboarding. So what's that all about, exactly?

Celia explains that the women were making a powerful statement about the treatment of indigenous women in Bolivia. For centuries, the indigenous Quechua and Aymara women were marginalised from mainstream society. They were banned from entering some public spaces, could not use public transportation, and weren't allowed to do many jobs. It wasn't until the election of the nation's first indigenous president, Juan Evo Morales Ayma, in 2006 that their rights began to be restored.

In this light, donning traditional clothing such as pleated skirts, lace blouses, bowler hats, sombreros, and long braids is a sign not of conservatism but pride and defiance. "Not too many years ago, the term 'Cholita' was a derogatory name for young indigenous women," says Celia. "Nowadays, Cholitas proudly wear traditional clothing to break ethnic barriers."



© Celia D. Luna



© Celia D. Luna



© Celia D. Luna



© Celia D. Luna

To start with, though, locating the women wasn't easy. "I was a bit of a detective on Instagram," Celia explains. "I had to search for tour guides and business owners in Bolivia, who led me to some of the Cholitas' contacts."

More:
https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/celia-d-luna/