Does anyone know the story behind this marvellous mural at Muxía?

[JohnLloyd]

As I wandered the shoreline to the harbour at Muxía last April, I spotted a wall of murals which were quite intriguing.

This one, in particular, caught my eye, with its movement and style.

Does anyone know the story behind this arresting image?

 

[Bradypus]

One of a series of murals of "superhero grannies" by Yoseba MP. This one is a remarkable lady called Claudina who gathered percebes on the shoreline until she retired a few years ago. A very hazardous business.

Entrevista al artista Yoseba MP

Sus obras presentan un estilo realista a partir del cual representa escenas cotidianas, pero a menudo combina esta realidad con ciencia ficción.

www.rebobinart.com

«O bonito disto é que por ben anos que leves no oficio nunca coñeces o mar»

Muxiana e hija de percebeira y mariñeiro, Claudina estaba destinada al mar. Empezó al percebe con 15 años, al lado de su madre, y lo dejó a los 65, en el tiempo del «Prestige». En el mes de octubre cumplirá los 80. Ella, hija de «A Cadrila», es la mujer con superpoderes que retrató el artista...

www.lavozdegalicia.es

 

[JohnLloyd]

Ah, that's fantastic. Thanks for the links!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Here's a YouTube video about four sisters doing barnacle gathering. I had seen this on some previous forum thread but I thought it would be easier to find by directly searching YouTube so please excuse me for not supplying proper credit.

 

[peregrina2000]

This article, which I’ve linked to before, makes a great companion to the video. It is an excellent piece of writing.

The Barnacle Queens of the Spanish Seaside

In Galicia, four sisters are taking on the male-dominated culture of percebeiras.

roadsandkingdoms.com

It deals with the sisters’ fight for equality in the macho business, the decrease in the seafood population, honesty, family, it’s just a terrific read.

I was sorry to see in the video that two of the sisters have had to stop working as percebeiras. Time marches on.

 

[JohnLloyd]

Here's a YouTube video about four sisters doing barnacle gathering. I have seen this on some previous forum thread but I thought it would be easier to find by directly searching YouTube.

I'm continually amazed at the lengths that some people go to (or have to) to make a living. Astonishing.

 

[Speddy]

Thank you for your curiosity. I've enjoyed reading the herstory.

 

[cherie]

Thank you for JohnLloyd for posting this photo and peregrina2000 for the brilliant article. I found the story fascinating and Rick of Rick and Peg I will also watch the YouTube video you posted.

This article and story reminds me of a wonderful book 'The Island of Sea Women' by Lisa See. An historical novel about the women on the remote Korean Island of Jeju who are female divers and whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. A dangerous job without any of the modern equipment we have these days. (The men stay at home looking after the children!). An excellent read.

 

[cherie]

Faboulous video, thanks Rick

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This article and story reminds me of a wonderful book 'The Island of Sea Women' by Lisa See. An historical novel about the women on the remote Korean Island of Jeju who are female divers and whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. A dangerous job without any of the modern equipment we have these days. (The men stay at home looking after the children!). An excellent read.

Although I have not known about this book, I have seen a Youtube video/ documentary on this subject of women making a living from sea life, but not fishing.

 

[wisepilgrim]

This article, which I’ve linked to before, makes a great companion to the video. It is an excellent piece of writing.

The Barnacle Queens of the Spanish Seaside

In Galicia, four sisters are taking on the male-dominated culture of percebeiras.

roadsandkingdoms.com

It deals with the sisters’ fight for equality in the macho business, the decrease in the seafood population, honesty, family, it’s just a terrific read.

I was sorry to see in the video that two of the sisters have had to stop working as percebeiras. Time marches on.

I was relieved. Perhaps it’s because barnacles don’t appeal to me but I never thought it just hat someone needed to do that job.

Yoseba has many other murals around Galicia and each is better than the rest. One of the best large scale art projects I have ever seen, and the making-of is great to watch.