18th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Village Girl

A young girl takes care of her family's goats as part of her daily chores. For the tribal women of Odisha, it is a hard life. In their culture, it is a woman’s duty to get married, have children, and provide for her family. Despite difficult circumstances, tribal women take pride in their lives, retain their compassion for others, and maintain keen senses of humor. Theirs is an undiminished beauty in an unforgiving environment.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2018
Date Uploaded: 11.2020
Photo Location: Jeypore, India
Camera: ILCE-7RM2
Copyright: © Mary Catherine Messner