An indigenous man and woman together riding a donkey; from a group of drawings depicting Peruvian dress 1843 - 1853

Francisco Fierro created this watercolor drawing of an indigenous couple riding a donkey in 19th-century Peru. The donkey itself is a fascinating symbol; historically, it represents humility, patience, and the burdens of everyday life. In this image, the woman holds the reins, taking a position of control. This is intriguing, as in many cultures, the reins are held by the man. Consider the evolution of this symbol; in ancient Egypt, the donkey was associated with the sun god Ra, but in medieval Europe, it became a symbol of ignorance. The act of riding, controlling an animal, taps into our primal relationship with nature. The gesture of the woman holding the reins might convey the intense feeling of autonomy and independence. It is a cyclical progression, and it has resurfaced and been given new meaning in different historical contexts.