Ladies of Kwachena
Kwachena is a large popular market located in the city of Tete in Mozambique. The market exists since 1992, when it was located in an area subject to flooding and being held responsible for the cholera outbreak that hit Tete in 2015. After that the Kwachena Market was transferred to a reasonably urbanized 15-hectare area in blocks and with many masonry shops. But what really characterizes the Kwachena are the canvas tents, with narrow alleys between them that provide shade and minimize the heat.
Kwashena is originally a market for small producers. With agricultural supplies, grain and seed stores. But you can also find food, spices, utensils and clothing. In addition to various services, such as taylors and carpenters. In fact, Kwachena is no different from other popular markets across sub-Saharan Africa.
Shooting at Kwachena is a unique experience. You can't go unnoticed. As soon as you arriv threre, you are surrounded by kids who want to drive you to their relative's tents.
The practice I usually adopt in these situations is to ask people for permission to shot them. Reactions are diverse, men usually ask for money. Faced with my thanks and refusal, some go back and agree. Kids are easier, although younger ones are afraid of the camera.
Some women walk away and don't allow them to be photographed. But others, when they see the camera, smile, pose and call other women to join them in a photo.
In this project, I selected some photos exclusively of ladies who somehow enjoyed the fact that they were being photographed and interacted with the camera.
Unfortunately, the second wave of Covid-19 did not allow me to return to Kwachena with the hard copies. But at some point, in the near future, I will be able to present them with the copies that are ready in my drawer.
Thank you.
