How people of the steep village called Isérables, Valais used to carry their children

15 comments
  1. I love how the woman in the first photo is nonchalantly knitting while also holding a baby in a wooden bed on her head, making the feat seem casual and effortless for her. Wow.

  2. Wouldn’t it be easier to strap the baby on your chest or back? I’m wondering why a heavy wooden contraption above your head. Are we sure this isn’t some sort of ceremonial practice?

  3. Amazing photos. I live in Valais, as my great grandparents did, and I have some pictures of them from the 1920s and 1930s like this. Wonderful memories, thank you!

  4. The contraption also double functioned as a contraception device to avoid a new pregnancy too soon. If anyone approaches, just turn and knock them out with the crib. Genius.

  5. It reminds we of the women in Africa that carry baskets of groceries and clay pots of water on their head. It can’t be good for your neck

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