In the heart of Paredes do Rio (Montalegre, Portugal), this image captures a crucial moment in the flax cycle. The woman meticulously pulls the raw flax through the comb, a comb with iron teeth, refining the fibers for the spinning wheel. Her concentrated gaze and calloused hands reflect a lifetime of mastery over a craft that defines the identity of Trás-os-Montes.
In this region, flax preparation constitutes a vital cultural pillar, rooted in a spirit of self-sufficiency. Historically, these tasks filled the long winter evenings, where the rhythmic sound of wooden tools served as a backdrop to oral traditions. By transforming rustic plants into delicate threads, these artisans preserve an ancestral heritage. This photograph pays homage to this enduring work, celebrating the resilience needed to keep ancestral memories alive.

* March 16, 2013
* Paredes do Rio, Portugal
* GPS: 41.796567, -7.923783
* From the series: Spirit of Earth — Traditional Practices
* Object number: #4.POR-SET.2013
* Nikon D800, 24-70/2.8 • Iso 800 • 31mm • f/6.3 • 1/100sec
* Photograph. 70×50 cm. Ed. 1/12 + 3 AP
* Print on Hahnemüle Photo Rag Matt Baryta, 308 g/m²