Sworn Virgins

In the so-called 'Cursed Mountains' of Northern Albania Pepa Hristova (*1977, Bulgaria / Germany) photographed the Sworn Virgins, the last men-women of Europe. According to an orally transmitted collection of laws from the Middle Ages, the Kanun, families with no male head are allowed to appoint a woman as a deputy. These women make a vow of virginity and accept the social role of a man. They work and live like men, enjoy their freedom and social status. Their adaptation is partly so perfect that they are no longer perceived as women.