Over the past two decades, Argentine photographer Irina Werning has embarked on a remarkable journey across Latin America, documenting a unique and deeply rooted cultural phenomenon. Her project, titled "Las Pelilargas" (The Long-haired Ones), explores the reverence for long hair within the region, capturing the stories and traditions of individuals whose hair serves as a powerful symbol of cultural identity and resistance.

The Origins of "Las Pelilargas"

Werning's fascination with long hair began in the Andes, where she encountered women with exceptionally long tresses while photographing schools in Argentina's Indigenous Kolla community. These women's hair was not just a personal choice; it was a reflection of their cultural heritage and ancestral traditions. "I went back to Buenos Aires, and these pictures were haunting me," Werning recalled. "So I decided to go back to these small towns."

In 2006, when social media was not yet widespread, Werning took a grassroots approach to finding her subjects. She put up signs in various locations, announcing her search for long-haired women for artistic purposes. As she traveled, she organized long-hair competitions, bringing women together and allowing the project to grow organically. "Slowly, the project started to grow," she said.

The Cultural and Ancestral Significance

Werning's work delves into the personal and cultural reasons behind growing and maintaining ultra-long hair. Through her interviews, she discovered that long hair is often seen as a physical manifestation of one's thoughts, soul, and connection to the land. "The true reason is invisible and passes from generation to generation," Werning writes on her website. "It’s the culture of Latin America, where our ancestors believed that cutting hair was cutting life."

This belief is particularly evident in Indigenous communities, where long hair and braids have become symbols of resistance against colonialism and systemic racial injustice. In the Kichwa community of Otavalo, Ecuador, men and boys wear long braids to reclaim their traditions, which were suppressed during Spanish colonial rule. "Braids in Indigenous communities are a form of resistance, in a way, because conquerors would cut (them)," Werning explained. "The braid was a symbol of identity, of unity. It’s more difficult to take away someone’s language, but this is a very symbolic act that’s very easy to do."

The Final Chapter: "La Resistencia"

At the PhotoVogue festival in Milan earlier this month, Werning exhibited the final chapter of her series, titled "La Resistencia." This chapter focuses on the Indigenous Kichwa community in Otavalo, Ecuador, and features portraits of men and boys with long braids. "I was very intrigued by how it would be to photograph men after so many years of photographing women," Werning said, particularly since long hair is often associated with femininity.

One poignant image from "La Resistencia" shows sisters dressed in traditional white blouses as their father braids their brother's hair. Werning shared the story of the father, RUMInawi Cachimuel, whose family had cut his braids when he was young to avoid discrimination at school. Now, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining Kichwa traditions to his children, from their clothing and music to their hair. "We’ve fought hard for our braids; it was a lengthy struggle to proudly showcase our braids," Cachimuel told Werning in a translated interview. "As people, we’ve endured significant hardships. Now, I teach my children that they must learn from our ancestors and pass down to future generations what it means to be Kichwa."

Another portrait features a father and his two boys standing in a line, braiding each other’s hair, a practice reserved only for direct relatives. These images capture not only the beauty of long hair but also the deep familial and cultural bonds it represents.

The Legacy of "Las Pelilargas"

As Werning concludes her project, she reflects on the impact of globalization and cultural shifts on the communities she has documented. She returned to some of the places she visited early in her journey, curious to see if major cultural changes had occurred. To her delight, she found that the tradition of long hair remains strong in the small towns of northern Argentina where she first began the project. "Las pelilargas were still everywhere," she said.

Werning's work serves as both a celebration and a preservation of these cultural practices. "Las Pelilargas" will be published as a book later this year, ensuring that these stories and traditions are shared with a wider audience. Through her photographs, Werning captures the essence of a cultural identity that has endured despite the challenges of colonialism and modernization.

Irina Werning's "Las Pelilargas" is more than just a photographic series; it is a testament to the enduring power of cultural traditions and the resilience of Indigenous communities. By documenting the stories of individuals with long hair, Werning highlights the deep connections between personal identity, ancestral heritage, and cultural resistance. As globalization continues to shape communities around the world, projects like "Las Pelilargas" remind us of the importance of preserving and celebrating the unique cultural practices that define us. Through her lens, Werning captures not only the beauty of long hair but also the strength and unity of the people who carry these traditions forward.