The gauchos of La Pampa (1974)

I photographed the gauchos of three estancias (ranches), out of eleven owned by an attractive woman I met on a flight from Buenos Aires to Miami. We were flying coach. We talked and in the conversation it came up that I had been trying to photograph the gauchos of La Pampa, but none of the extremely rich owners I contacted would give me permission.

“Oh, I own eleven estancias,” she said. “You can photograph them anytime you like. I’ll have on of my airplanes pick you up. Call me.” I didn’t believe her. She was flying coach! But she did own eleven estancias. Here are some of the images I took.

The airplanes were used to fly the managers between the estancias

Building and repairing fences is one of the major jobs.

In 1963, before I became a photojournalist, I worked as a cowboy on a ranch in Texas, it wasn't that much different.

Castration. El facón, razor sharp and used for castrating as well as eating.

The housing for the gauchos and their family was minimal.

The salesperson would come to the estancia

Some of the gauchos liked working with sheep

The gauchos of La Pampa (1974)

CHAS GERRETSEN