23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Mother of the Highlands

In the highlands of Peru, a woman dressed in traditional Quechua attire cradles a young lamb while her alpaca stands beside her. Her woven garments tell stories of ancestry, patience, and survival in the Andes. The quiet tenderness of the moment reflects the timeless bond between people, animals, and the land they share.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Cusco, Peru
Camera: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Copyright: © URSZULA KARGOL