Is matriarchy just an upside-down patriarchy? Does matriarchy mean rule by women? Not at all! The volume of photographs “Matriarchs” provides answers to these questions and offers fascinating insights into this egalitarian form of society.
Photographer Maria Haas visited the Bribri in Costa Rica, the Bijagós in Guinea-Bissau and the Juchitecas, the Zapotec women of Juchitán in Mexico. In her book, she presents impressive, authentic portraits of families and strong women who are at the center of these peaceful societies.
In Juchitán she also met the Muxes. Born male, they live female roles and are regarded in Zapotec culture as a third gender.
