Her Womanhood

Detail:




Among these people, a girl becomes a woman once she performs this "ritual".

The pink fabric is the symbol of her womanhood. She has to wrap it around herself and walk across this long pool. It has been a long time since it was used. Duckweed & victoria lily pads have now populated the surface.

It's almost like a purification ceremony. She will cleanse all the shame from being a girl to become a "full-fledged" woman.

On the opposite end of the pool is a white table. White for purity and a new start. On the table is a crown of which she has to put on herself and wear for the rest of the day.

Here is when she steps out. Beat. Cold. Wet.

Spectators watch with food set out ready for the feast that follows.

After crowning herself, the garment is then lowered and stretched taut across the pool's surface. She will walk back on it while keeping her steps within the white...the path of purity & renewal.