Big Heart, Strong Hands

"Anne Helene Gjelstad’s documentary project is remarkable. She has found a way to photograph the women which draws the viewer into their world and souls. You can feel the passion the photographer has for this project – it transports and leaves us wanting to know and see more." – Joyce Tenneson.

Big Heart, Strong Hands is the story of the women on the Estonian islands Kihnu and Manija in the Baltic Sea. Geographically isolated, over centuries a strong sense of community spirit and a steadfast attachment to their ancestor’s customs has developed. Often viewed as the last matriarchal society in Europe, the older women here take care of almost everything on land as their husbands travel the seas.

Norwegian photographer Gjelstad has photographed the daily lives and activities of the women, their clothing, bedrooms, kitchens and farmhouses as well as the surrounding landscape.