Taking viewers on a trip into the bizarre little village of Mawlynnong a few kilometers from the border of India, Karolin Klüppel takes portraits of the young girls who 'rule the world.'
The German photographer spent six months living in the isolated Mawlynnong village amongst its 92-person population count in the East Khasi Hills. What make this bizarre little village different is that it has a matrilineal society where family lineage is traced through the wife instead of the husband -- this makes female descendants more important for continuing bloodline.
The 'Mädchenland (Kingdom of Girls)' series documents the young girls who carry the family name, run entire households and take care of their younger siblings. However, despite all of these responsibilities, the young girls still have that life of freedom and childlike naivety shining through in the photos.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Matrilineal Societies
- Opportunity to explore and promote gender equality in societies where family lineage is traced through the wife instead of the husband.
- Female Empowerment
- Opportunity to support and empower young girls in communities where they play a crucial role in the family lineage and upbringing.
- Cultural Tourism
- Opportunity to promote and showcase unique cultures and traditions in isolated communities through photography and other forms of media.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Photography
- Opportunity to capture and promote the stories of unique cultures and communities through photography and visual storytelling.
- Tourism
- Opportunity to promote and develop sustainable tourism in isolated communities with unique cultures and traditions.
- Non-profits
- Opportunity for non-profit organizations to support and empower young girls in matrilineal societies, promoting gender equality and education.
