Gaucho festival - In Argentina, cowboys are called gauchos. They are a very proud people who guard their flocks in the immensity of the Pampas or at the foothills of the Andes. As they gather at parties, they wear their ceremonial outfit: a wide flat brim hat and a red poncho over a white shirt (Province of Salta, Northwest Argentina). - 1973

The Palitué Ranch - With his horse and his rebenque (a broad leather whip), the Argentine gaucho is similar to the North American cowboy. At the end of spring, he separates the calves from their mothers in order to brand, dehorn and castrate them. (Neuquén Province, Patagonia) - 1976

Guardamonte - The landscapes in Northwest Argentina are more mountainous and the vegetation is harsher than in the pampas. To deal with prickles and thorns, the gaucho equips his horse with a double layer of rigid, resistant leather called guardamonte, which gives him the appearance of a medieval warrior. (Campo Alegre, Province of Salta).

Apart from his horse, the gaucho only possesses that which his belt can carry: an impressive, artfully engraved knife, some money and his own name, so people know who he is. - Estancia La Mimosa - Buenos Aires - Argentina

The gear gauchos use in the Argentinean pampa includes the typical hat, boleadoras or Tres Marias (small balls, fixed to the end of a long leather strip, thrown to hunt rheas), a lasso, a whip, a belt with the indispensable facón (a knife), a stirrup, spurs, and the traditional bombilla (a metal straw used to drink mate tea from a hollowed colocynth pumpkin).

Riding games in North and South America differ only slightly. In Argentina, contests are more strongly linked to everyday life and to Spanish riding games. In the jineteada, the rider attempts to tame a half-wild criollo horse armed with nothing but his rebenque, a whip ending in double leather straps that snap over the animal.

The life of the gauchos is one of hard work, but also one marked by a liking for fun and celebration. Unlike celebrations in the Patagonian pampa, in north-western Argentina women always take part. This has undoubtedly been inherited from times of the Independence War, in which women played an important role. In the picture, Arturo und Marion Fernández are to be seen drinking mate at their finca in Campo Alegre, province of Salta.

Two gauchos from the province of Córdoba try to catch a foal. They have retained some traditional garments of their status. Despite the rapid development of the country, they are and remain the living symbol of Argentina. The gaucho spends most of his existence on the horse, which is his most loyal friend. Rough, brave and strong, the man of the pampas loves freedom above all else. - 1973

Gaucho Arnaldo in the evening light at Estancia Mimosa. (Entre Ríos Province). - 1973

The boleadoras were the gaucho's first weapon with which he infallibly forced an ostrich (Ñandú) or a bull to the ground within thirty meters. - 1976

Sheep shearing takes place during the months of December and January, in the heart of the southern summer. The work is carried out in a galpón, a building reserved for this purpose that can be seen in all the estancias. The sheep are led to the galpón by ovejeros on horseback. Each esquilador (shearer) shears about 200 sheep a day. He uses an electric shearer set in motion by a motor which, at the same time, provides light to the property. Twice a year the esquiladores cut the wool around the sheep's eyes. The animals cannot see clearly because of the thickness of their fleece. - 1973

On the estancia “La Margarita” at Lake Viedma, in the province of Santa Cruz, the gauchos set off for the sheep pastures. On horseback, they cover great distances across the steppes of Patagonia. - 1973

Farrier Delphin Rodríguez from Bahía Bustamante (Chubut province) smiles cheerfully, which is not at all the case for all gauchos in the Pampas. Most of them are rough around the edges as a result of their adventurous lives. It often takes a lot of patience to be accepted by the men in a group. However, beneath the tough exterior lies a big heart. Their love of nature and the great outdoors has become legendary. They are completely at one with the special landscape in which they live, and their profession requires people of unusual strength. - 1973

The gaucho spends most of his life on horseback. He watches over the huge herds of sheep in Patagonia. When he rests from his long journeys across the pampas, he devotes himself to handicrafts. He makes admirable leather whips and takes special care in the manufacture of his stirrups, which are an important part of the mount. The horse of Delphin Rodríguez, the farrier in the previous photo, has stirrups decorated with beautifully crafted wooden pieces. - 1973

The estancia is a small town. It includes many different buildings. Sometimes there is even a school, which is attended by the children of the farm workers. This saves the pupils the trip to the next village, which is often dozens of kilometres away. A single teacher teaches the little ones and the big ones. Our picture was taken during the break in the school of the estancia “Palitué” (Neuquén province). Little José Luis Jimenéz, son of a peon, drinks his cup of milk. - 1973

Gauchos from the Palitué estancia (province of Neuquén) go to the corral (cattle park) where all the domestic animals on the estate are kept. They will carry out a strict selection of them. They dedicate themselves to this work whenever they are not called upon to carry out other tasks. But, in one case as in others, the gauchos always travel on horseback, which is their favourite means of transport, very rarely setting foot on land. They carry with them the accessories they need to do their work. - 1973

Cows from the Palitué estancia (province of Neuquén), which have just given birth to their young, are gathered in the corral. The gauchos will soon make their appearance in order to carry out work of the utmost importance. It is a matter of separating the heifers from their mothers, which is not without its difficulties. Then the cows are taken back by the gauchos to their respective pastures where they will eventually gain the necessary weight. To achieve this, they need to be perfectly quiet, hence the cruel necessity to take their offspring away from them. The pastures are chosen for the quality of their grass. Finally, the cows are sent by truck to the slaughterhouses and the meat is kept in the capital's refrigerators. These measures are justified by the fact that Argentines have a predominantly meat diet. But it should also be pointed out that the production and sale of meat abroad is one of the main economic activities of the Argentine nation. - 1973

The gaucho's task is both arduous and dangerous. It is the result of a long tradition which dates back to the beginning of the colonisation of the pampas. It requires skill, patience, endurance and a great deal of security of movement. These essential qualities are put to good use especially when sorting the animals inside the corral. The constant coming and going of the animals is not made to facilitate the movement of the gaucho. In addition, the dust that rises from the corral floor forms clouds in which people and animals seem to get lost. But the gaucho and his horse are one and the same, because they have been used to this kind of exercise for a long time. This agreement also exists between the different gauchos who work in an estancia. The daily task involves a lot of discipline on the part of the men. These conditions must be observed every time the animals are grouped together, taken to the pasture or sorted out. - 1973

The great rivers that run through Patagonia have their source in the Andes. The gradient is gentle, and the watercourses take their time before pouring into the Atlantic Ocean. But in the rainy season, when the storms rage in the peaks of the Cordillera, the rivers swell. Then floods threaten people, animals and crops. The inhabitants of both banks use the many fords as river crossings. The photograph shows a scene that used to be characteristic of life in the pampas, but is becoming increasingly rare today as a result of Argentina's economic development: A herd of four hundred Hereford cattle is being driven through the Río Alumine (Neuquén province) and taken to the next estancia. These transports are increasingly carried out with the help of trucks, at least where bridges allow the rapid crossing of Patagonia's rivers and streams. - 1973

From one province of Argentina to another, the gauchos dress somewhat differently. However, there are essential elements in their clothing and in the accessories they carry with them that can be found everywhere. The photo shows us, seen from behind, a gaucho from the province of Buenos Aires. Tirador or rastra are two words that designate the belt. The belt is often decorated with medals and old coins. The facón (knife), slipped into the belt, is made of chased silver. In other parts of the pampas, however, it is a common kitchen knife. - 1973

Here we are in the estancia known as Villa Maria. This large estate belongs to the province of Buenos Aires. It is the day of the remate, an important event in the life of the Argentinean pampas. The owners of the estancias sell some of their best cattle at public auction. Each participant will then be invited to a big meal. The preparation of this meal is not a simple task, due to the large number of guests who arrive at lunchtime. Meat is included in every meal, both in the country and in the city. A soup was offered to the participants. The empty plates form an impressive heap on the grass of the meadow. Beef quarters were attached to long metal stakes and placed in front of the embers of the fireplace. It is the asado, a typical dish of Argentinean cuisine, which delights tourists as much as the locals. This asado will be accompanied, as it should be, by delicious wines produced in the country. - 1973

The remate is in full swing in the Villa Maria estancia (Buenos Aires province). The event takes place inside a circular enclosure around which all the participants have gathered. The participants did not hesitate to travel several hundred kilometres to get to the remate. Most of them took a small plane to facilitate their travel. The large estates of Patagonia and the pampas are equipped with an airfield. Private planes allow fast connections between the estancias. They also make direct connections possible between the most remote estancias and the nation's capital. During the remate, the horned beasts are sold at public auction. The owners take their animals around the enclosure several times under the critical eye of the participants. The auctioneer leads the sale. He too is a great cattle connoisseur. Bulls are sold by piece or in pairs. In other cases, the owner gets rid of a whole lot of animals. Each remate is a feast, which is accompanied by a meal offered to the guests. - 1973

A gaucho from the Campo Alegre estancia approaches us. He crosses the grassy plain of the province of Salta. The lasso and the guardamontes are made of leather. These last pieces protect the rider's legs from the thorny bushes that grow in this desert region of Argentina. His red woollen poncho shows a black band that was added by the weavers as a sign of mourning at the death of the caudillo Martin Miguel de Güemes, a native of the province of Salta. The bolas are hardly used today because of the accidents they caused, but they are present in the gaucho's saddle. - 1973

June 17th is a big day in the city of Salta. A popular festival celebrates the memory of an almost legendary figure, the popular leader Martin Miguel de Güemes, who died in 1821. Thousands of gauchos parade through the streets of the provincial capital. - 1973

The gauchos of Salta wear a flat hat reminiscent of the headgear of the Andalusians. - 1973

On this chair, a gaucho has laid out his indispensable daily utensils: the chambergo (hat), the bolas, the leather lasso, the riding whip, the facón (knife), the tirador (belt), the stirrups, the bombilla and the mate. - 1973

A capataz of the estancia “La Amalia” (Entre Ríos province) with one of his children. The number of gauchos on the estates is quite large. They are placed under the orders of a supervisor, the capataz, who enjoys the confidence of the owner. - 1973

Night slowly descends on the estancia “La Mimosa” (Entre Ríos province). The moment has come to round up the cows that were separated from their calves a few months earlier. This segregation was done by the cattle farmers to ensure a quiet life for the cows on preferential pastures. The task is difficult, and many gauchos are involved. The same scenes take place on every estancia in the pampas. They show stages in a cycle of important work on which a large part of the national economy depends. - 1973

Hundreds of cattle have been brought by the gauchos from their pastures to the estancia. They are then loaded onto trucks bound for Liniers in Buenos Aires. Cows from almost all Argentine provinces can be seen at this assembly point. The herds pass in front of the experts in dense rows. You can recognise representatives of the Hereford, Shorthorn, Aberdeen Angus, Holando and Cruza breeds. An estimated 15 000 to 18 000 head of cattle are sold every day. - 1973

Folk festival of the doma at the headquarters of the Palermo agricultural cooperative (Buenos Aires). On Saturdays and Sundays, gauchos from the province and nearby areas come to produce in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The doma is a kind of rodeo. The rider wants to stay in the saddle as long as possible. The horse is blindfolded until the moment it is released. It makes every effort to throw the rider off. - 1973

Alberto Biocca, president of the Grupo tradicionalista of Ayacucho in the province of Buenos Aires, is a master of the lasso. - 1976

Gaucho from the Salta region, taken on 17 June 1973 during the celebrations for the anniversary of the death of Martin Miguel de Güemes.

Criollos not yet broken in, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Estancia Do Tigre. - 1976

Aberdeen-Angus cattle, Estancia El Cardal, Ayacucho, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. - 1975

Separating the calves from their mothers. Tomorrow the «yerra» begins. Estancia de Palitué, Neuquén Province, Argentina. - 1975

A new galpón (shelter) is built on the Estancia La Teresa, Neuquén Province. – 1973

The red-hot branding irons are ready for marking the calves. - Estancia Santa Julia, Province Neuquén - 1976

The red-hot branding irons are ready for marking the calves. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén - 1975

The "volteadores" throw the calves to the ground and hold them under the bite of the glowing metal. - Estancia La Mimosa, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

The "volteadores" throw the calves to the ground and hold them under the bite of the glowing metal. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1975

The «volteadores» throw the calf to the ground and hold it while the emerging horns are removed and the young animal is marked.- Estancia La Amalia, Province Entre Ríos - 1973

The "descornador" spends a day on his knees in the dust to remove the emerging horns of the calves with a chisel and hammer. The kid leather leggings are not asking too much ... the branding is done at the same time. While the irons are red-hot in a makeshift brazier, the "volteadores" throw the calves to the ground and hold them under the bite of the red-hot metal. Young bulls that are not intended for breeding are castrated in the same operation. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén - 1975

Instead of branding, the veterinarian applies an ear tag. - Estancia La Amalia, Province Entre Ríos - 1973

The "descornador" spends a day on his knees in the dust, using a chisel and hammer to remove the calves' emerging horns. Young bulls that are not intended for breeding are castrated in the same operation. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1975

The "descornador" spends a day on his knees in the dust to remove the emerging horns of the calves with a chisel and hammer. The kid leather leggings are not asking too much ... - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

It took hours of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle into the corral of the Estancia of Palitué. - Province Neuquén. - 1975

It took hours of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle into the corral of the Estancia of Palitué. - Province Neuquén. - 1973

It took hours of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle into the corral of the Estancia of Palitué. - 1973

It took hours of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle into the corral of the Estancia of Palitué. - Provinzce Neuquén - 1973

It took hours of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle into the corral of the Estancia of Palitué. - Province Neuquén. - 1973

It takes a lot of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle out of the pampas into the corral of the Estancia of Palitué. - Province Neuquén - 1975

It takes a lot of patience and tireless attention to drive the young cattle out of the pampas into the corral of the Estanzia of Palitué. - Province Neuquén. - 1975

Clear, bay or chestnut, Argentinian horses are generally of the "Criolla" breed, descendants of horses of Berber origin, which the first Spanish conquerors brought with them and which pushed into the wild in the vastness of the pampas. “Found” in Patagonia by Emilio Solanet, they are now raised as pure as possible on his Estancia EI Cardal. - Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Clear, bay or chestnut, Argentinian horses are generally of the "Criolla" breed, descendants of horses of Berber origin, which the first Spanish conquerors brought with them and which pushed into the wild in the vastness of the pampas. “Found” in Patagonia by Emilio Solanet, they are now raised as pure as possible on his Estancia EI Cardal. - 1976

Clear, bay or chestnut, Argentinian horses are generally of the "Criolla" breed, descendants of horses of Berber origin, which the first Spanish conquerors brought with them and which pushed into the wild in the vastness of the pampas. “Found” in Patagonia by Emilio Solanet, they are now raised as pure as possible on his Estancia EI Cardal. - Estancia Do Tigre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

In Salta in northwest Argentina, the Spanish colonial style is still omnipresent, even though one of the decisive movements of the Argentine War of Liberation, the Gaucho Uprising, broke out here around 1810. Martin Miguel de Güemes, the leader of the rebellious gauchos, lives on in all hearts here, and the anniversary of his death (17 June 1821) sees all the gauchos of the surrounding area in red poncho (with the black ribbon of mourning), adventurously deformed sombrero and sweeping guardamontes. - 1973

In Salta in northwest Argentina, the Spanish colonial style is still omnipresent, even though one of the decisive movements of the Argentine War of Liberation, the Gaucho Uprising, broke out here around 1810. Martin Miguel de Güemes, the leader of the rebellious gauchos, lives on in all hearts here, and the anniversary of his death (17 June 1821) sees all the gauchos of the surrounding area in red poncho (with the black ribbon of mourning), adventurously deformed sombrero and sweeping guardamontes. The applause is sure to go to the one who looks most like the beloved liberator. - 1973

Only a few of the huge single-axle vehicles that were used to conquer the expanses of the pampas little more than a century ago are still in working order today. - Near Chicligasta, Tucumán Province. - 1973

The troperos, who spent weeks driving the herds to the slaughterhouses on the coast, had to give way to more intensive cattle breeding, but every gaucho still knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. - Estancia Do Tigre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén - 1975

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia El Cardal, Ayacucho, Buenos Aires Province. - 1976

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia Palitué, Neuquén. - 1975

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1975

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén - 1975

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1975

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1976

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia El Dorado, Province Corrientes - 1976

Every gaucho knows how to master the lasso, even if today's methods no longer require it. Incidentally, these traditional skills also determine the somewhat self-evident hierarchy on the estancias. - Estancia El Dorado, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1976

No gaucho without a horse. He deserves his greatest attention, as a saddlecloth that is put on incorrectly can impair the endurance and willingness of your faithful companion. - Estancia Santa Ercilia, Palomas, Salto, Uruguay - 1975

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness … the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: The gaucho from Salta clearly shows that the gaucho's first wife was an Indian. - 1973

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness ... the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: Here a gaucho from the Salta region. - 1973

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness ... the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: the gaucho from southern Brazil testifies to the assimilating power of this melting pot of three skin colors. - 1976

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness ... the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: The gaucho from Uruguay could also be a Spanish winegrower. - Estancia Santa Ercilia, Palomas, Province Salto, Uruguay - 1975

Not Charles Bronson, but a real gaucho. - Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness ... the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: Here a gaucho from the Salta region. - 1973

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness ... the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: Here a capataz of the Estancia “La Amalia” (Entre Ríos province). - 1973

Reason, determination, good nature, violence and tenderness ... the whole breadth of human possibilities is reflected in the faces of this people. The racial differences are just as diverse: Chacho Royo, a gaucho from the Salta region. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

The tradition of the gaucho begins in his youth. - Molinos, Salta Province - 1973

The young women also wear traditional clothing, taken on June 17, 1973 during the celebrations for the anniversary of the death of Martín Miguel de Güemes.

The time of conquests, when new, free and uninhabited plains opened up behind every hill, is over ... - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

The 20th century gaucho has settled down and usually returns to the estancia in the evening, even if his daily work still involves adventure and danger. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1973

The boleadoras were the gaucho's first weapon with which he infallibly forced an ostrich (Ñandú) or a bull to the ground within thirty meters. - Estancia La Mimosa, Province Buenos Aires. - 1976

The boleadoras were the gaucho's first weapon with which he infallibly forced a bull to the ground within thirty yards. Although they are still part of the equipment today and maintain their place in custom, they have long since had to give way to the lasso and barbed wire and are hardly used for hunting either. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1975

The boleadoras were the gaucho's first weapon with which he infallibly forced a bull to the ground within thirty yards. Although they are still part of the equipment today and maintain their place in custom, they have long since had to give way to the lasso and barbed wire and are hardly used for hunting either. - Estancia Santa Ercilia, Palomas, Province Salto, Uruguay - 1975

Except for the animals intended for breeding, all young stallions are castrated, as geldings are more tolerable, calmer and more persistent. The gauchos are only too happy to leave the painful operation to the vet, as they have a much closer relationship with horses than they do with cattle. - Estancia La Catalina, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires. - 1975

Except for the animals intended for breeding, all young stallions are castrated, as geldings are more tolerable, calmer and more persistent. The gauchos are only too happy to leave the painful operation to the vet, as they have a much closer relationship with horses than they do with cattle. - Estancia Amancay, Esquel, Province Chubut - 1973

If the gaucho has more than the bare necessities, he soon becomes the head of a large family. Far from all the comforts of civilisation, the gaucho is also a naïve painter. He leaves the cooking, the cleaning, the weaving to his wife. - Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

If the gaucho has more than the bare necessities, he soon becomes the head of a large family. Far from all the comforts of civilisation, the gaucho is also a naïve painter. He leaves the cooking, the cleaning, the weaving to his wife. - Gobernador Gregores (?), Province Santa Cruz - 1976

If the gaucho has more than the bare necessities, he soon becomes the head of a large family. Far from all the comforts of civilisation, the gaucho is also a naïve painter. He leaves the cooking, the cleaning, the weaving to his wife. - Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1976

If the gaucho has more than the bare necessities, he is soon the head of a large family. Far from all the comforts of civilisation, a gaucho's wife takes care of the kitchen and household and weaves the necessary fabrics herself. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1973

If the gaucho has more than the bare necessities, he is soon the head of a large family. Far from all the comforts of civilisation, the gaucho is also a naïve painter and schoolmaster at the same time. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1973

Although the first ray of sunshine usually sees him at work, the gaucho still finds time for socialising in the evening. Prepared and enjoyed with a "sacred" ritual, the bitter, slightly caffeinated mate makes you forget fatigue and pain. - Estancia La Mimosa, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1976

Metallic skeletons on the endless pampas, the "mills" tame the wind to pump essential water for the herds, sometimes from considerable depths. - Estancia Las Toscas, Province Santa Cruz, Patagonia - 1976

Metallic skeletons on the endless pampas, the "mills" tame the wind to pump essential water for the herds, sometimes from considerable depths. - At the Ruta 3, Province Santa Cruz, Patagonia - 1975

In southern Patagonia and especially on Tierra del Fuego and in southern Chile, the climate and vegetation only allow sheep farming. The flocks graze scattered over thousands of hectares of stony wasteland. They are only herded together for three occasions: Disinfection bath, shearing and slaughter. But then the ovejeros, the shepherd gauchos, are often on the move for days with their powerful dogs, keeping in touch with each other with high altitude fires and smoke signals. - Near Estancia Los Luises, Santa Cruz Province - 1973

On the map, the north of Tierra del Fuego is the natural continuation of the Argentine Patagonia. Here, too, the vast plains can be found, where thousands of domestic animals graze on the thin grasslands. Here, rainfall also increases, allowing lush vegetation to develop. - 1973

Two gauchos on the way to their estancia in the Calafate region. The Andes mountain range in the background. - Santa Cruz Province - 1973

A lonely gaucho on his way to his estancia El Zurdo on the border with Chile. - Between Río Gallegos and El Turbio, Santa Cruz Province - 1973

In southern Patagonia and especially on Tierra del Fuego and in southern Chile, the climate and vegetation only allow sheep farming. The flocks graze scattered over thousands of hectares of stony wasteland. They are only herded together for three occasions: Disinfection bath, shearing and slaughter. But then the ovejeros, the shepherd gauchos, are often on the move for days with their powerful dogs, keeping in touch with each other with high altitude fires and smoke signals. - Torres del Paine NP, Chile - 1976

In southern Patagonia and especially on Tierra del Fuego and in southern Chile, the climate and vegetation only allow sheep farming. The flocks graze scattered over thousands of hectares of stony wasteland. They are only herded together for three occasions: Disinfection bath, shearing and slaughter. But then the ovejeros, the shepherd gauchos, are often on the move for days with their powerful dogs, keeping in touch with each other with high altitude fires and smoke signals. - 1976

In southern Patagonia and especially on Tierra del Fuego and in southern Chile, the climate and vegetation only allow sheep farming. The flocks graze scattered over thousands of hectares of stony wasteland. They are only herded together for three occasions: Disinfection bath, shearing and slaughter. But then the ovejeros, the shepherd gauchos, are often on the move for days with their powerful dogs, keeping in touch with each other with high altitude fires and smoke signals. - Estancia Las Toscas, Province Santa Cruz, Patagonia - 1976

In southern Patagonia and especially on Tierra del Fuego and in southern Chile, the climate and vegetation only allow sheep farming. The flocks graze scattered over thousands of hectares of stony wasteland. They are only herded together for three occasions: Disinfection bath, shearing and slaughter. But then the ovejeros, the shepherd gauchos, are often on the move for days with their powerful dogs, keeping in touch with each other with high altitude fires and smoke signals. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1973

In southern Patagonia and especially on Tierra del Fuego and in southern Chile, the climate and vegetation only allow sheep farming. The flocks graze scattered over thousands of hectares of stony wasteland. They are only herded together for three occasions: Disinfection bath, shearing and slaughter. But then the ovejeros, the shepherd gauchos, are often on the move for days with their powerful dogs, keeping in touch with each other with high altitude fires and smoke signals. - Estancia La Luciana, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Maté, the daily and almost ritual drink of the gaucho ... - Estancia La Luciana, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Mastering his horse in any situation brings the gaucho "glory and honour", and so he puts his skill to the test again and again in the most diverse games and competitions. The rules of these competitions vary depending on the region, and for the huasos, as the gauchos are called in Chile, style counts as much as the result. - Doma in Buenos Aires - 1973

Mastering his horse in any situation brings the gaucho "glory and honour", and so he puts his skill to the test again and again in the most diverse games and competitions. The rules of these competitions vary depending on the region, and for the huasos, as the gauchos are called in Chile, style counts as much as the result. - Rodeo in Osorno, Chile - 1975

Mastering his horse in any situation brings the gaucho "glory and honour", and so he puts his skill to the test again and again in the most diverse games and competitions. The rules of these competitions vary depending on the region, and for the huasos, as the gauchos are called in Chile, style counts as much as the result. - San Rafael, Province Talca - 1975

Mastering his horse in any situation brings the gaucho "glory and honour", and so he puts his skill to the test again and again in the most diverse games and competitions. The rules of these competitions vary depending on the region, and for the huasos, as the gauchos are called in Chile, style counts as much as the result. Although the competition arena is reminiscent of the Spanish bullfighting arena, the aim here is only to manoeuvre the bovine against the board wall with the horse alone and "pin it down". The individual parts of the cow's body are divided into point values, with blocking the hindquarters earning the most. - 1975

Mastering his horse in any situation brings the gaucho "glory and honour", and so he puts his skill to the test again and again in the most diverse games and competitions. The rules of these competitions vary depending on the region, and for the huasos, as the gauchos are called in Chile, style counts as much as the result. - San Rafael, Province Talca - 1975

Mastering his horse in any situation brings the gaucho "glory and honour", and so he puts his skill to the test again and again in the most diverse games and competitions. The rules of these competitions vary depending on the region, and for the huasos, as the gauchos are called in Chile, style counts as much as the result. Although the competition arena is reminiscent of the Spanish bullfighting arena, the aim here is only to manoeuvre the bovine against the board wall with the horse alone and "pin it down". The individual parts of the cow's body are divided into point values, with blocking the hindquarters earning the most.- Rodeo in Osorno, Chile - 1975

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, at Bagé in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - 1976

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasilien - 1976

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, at Bagé in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - 1976

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - Ramos Otero, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, at Bagé in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. Older gauchos prefer these wild fights to exercises in skill and accuracy, such as holding a rope centimetres in front of them at full gallop. - 1976

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - 1976

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasilien - 1976

Less formal, but even more daring, are the games in southern Brazil, in the Rio Grande do Sul, when an unruly wildling is to be ridden in a kind of rodeo, after which the blindfold is removed. The performance is commented on by fellow competitors and onlookers in a way that is as detailed as it is knowledgeable. - 1976

In San Antonio de Areco in the province of Buenos Aires, the big jineteadas (rodeos) on Tradition Day attract estancieros and gauchos from all over the province. The competitions are mainly attended by professional horsemen or domadores, who wear leather spurs and "botas de potro", boots made from the skin of the horse's foot. The movements of horse and rider are as acrobatic as they are elegant; falls are frequent and shrewd horses throw themselves to the ground as soon as they mount (picture). The most dangerous game is forbidden today: It involved jumping down from the crossbar of a corral gate onto an unsaddled wild horse, the lead animal of a herd that was being chased through the gate at a gallop. Those who missed were lucky to escape with a few broken bones. - 1975

In San Antonio de Areco in the province of Buenos Aires, the big jineteadas (rodeos) on Tradition Day attract estancieros and gauchos from all over the province. The competitions are mainly attended by professional horsemen or domadores, who wear leather spurs and "botas de potro", boots made from the skin of the horse's foot. The movements of horse and rider are as acrobatic as they are elegant (picture); falls are frequent, and shrewd horses throw themselves to the ground as soon as they mount. The most dangerous game is forbidden today: It involved jumping down from the crossbar of a corral gate onto an unsaddled wild horse, the lead animal of a herd that was being chased through the gate at a gallop. Those who missed were lucky to escape with a few broken bones. - 1975

The ‘carrera de sortijas’, the "ring stabbing". While galloping, the rider has to "take" a ring of about two centimetres in diameter with a small stick. - Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - Villa María, Province Córdoba - 1973

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - Ramos Otero, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

In the past, the gaucho wore all his wealth so decoratively strung on the wide belt: silver coins, a chiselled knife. And a name, so that no one would ignore it... - Estancia La Amalia, Province Entre Ríos - 1973

"The meat is what is left over when you have nothing left." In the vastness of the pampas, this Argentine proverb still holds true today. Grilled outdoors, the asado is cut right at the mouth as you eat, and the best pieces belong to the guest as a matter of course, whether they are invited or happen to be there. - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires. - 1975

"The meat is what is left over when you have nothing left." In the vastness of the pampas, this Argentine proverb still holds true today. Grilled outdoors, the asado is cut right at the mouth as you eat, and the best pieces belong to the guest as a matter of course, whether they are invited or happen to be there. - Estancia Palitué, Province Neuquén. - 1975

"The meat is what is left over when you have nothing left." In the vastness of the pampas, this Argentine proverb still holds true today. Grilled outdoors, the asado is cut right at the mouth as you eat, and the best pieces belong to the guest as a matter of course, whether they are invited or happen to be there. - Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

"The meat is what is left over when you have nothing left." In the vastness of the pampas, this Argentine proverb still holds true today. Grilled outdoors, the asado is cut right at the mouth as you eat, and the best pieces belong to the guest as a matter of course, whether they are invited or happen to be there. - Estancia Las Toscas, Villa María, Province Córdoba - 1973

"The meat is what is left over when you have nothing left." In the vastness of the pampas, this Argentine proverb still holds true today. Grilled outdoors, the asado is cut right at the mouth as you eat, and the best pieces belong to the guest as a matter of course, whether they are invited or happen to be there. - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires. - 1975

The “Payador” has to be just as much a poet as a musician and sing about the realities of everyday life in quickly improvised verses ... love, violence, loneliness. - Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

The gaucho's wife hardly shows up, except at some village festivals or when going to church on Sundays. - Wedding, Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

The gaucho's wife hardly shows up, except at some village festivals or when going to church on Sundays. - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires. - 1975

The gaucho's wife hardly shows up, except at some village festivals or when going to church on Sundays. The gaucho, accustomed to evenings under the moon and to smoky “pulperias”, has learned to dance the zapateada and the malambo, variants of flamenco, on his own. - San Antonio de Areco, Province Buenos Aires. - 1975

No gaucho who does not know how to strum the guitar and improvise, in verse, a tender or perfidious "payada". - Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Alberto Biocca, President of the Grupo traditionalista of Ayacucho in the province of Buenos Aires, in his Sunday best, with silver-decorated saddle and bridle and gaucho poncho, also knows how to handle the lasso masterfully. - 1976

Luxury harness. - Estancia La Luciana, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires. - 1975

Luxury harness. - Estancia El Ombú, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Luxuriously harnessed, the gaucho's horse carries on its saddle something to face the elements: knife (“facón”), “boleadoras”, hobbel straps, lasso. The spurs can be wood, leather or chiseled silver.- Estancia on the Huemul peninsula, Neuquén province. - 1975

Luxuriously harnessed, the gaucho's horse carries on its saddle something to face the elements: knife (“facón”), “boleadoras”, hobbel straps, lasso. The spurs can be wood, leather or chiseled silver. - Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Luxuriously harnessed, the gaucho's horse carries on its saddle something to face the elements: knife (“facón”), “boleadoras”, hobbel straps, lasso. The spurs can be wood, leather or chiseled silver.- Estancia La Luciana, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

Luxuriously harnessed, the gaucho's horse carries on its saddle something to face the elements: knife (“facón”), “boleadoras”, hobbel straps, lasso. The spurs can be wood, leather or chiseled silver. - Criadero Helvecia, Chile - 1975

Luxuriously harnessed, the gaucho's horse carries on its saddle something to face the elements: knife (“facón”), “boleadoras”, hobbel straps, lasso. The spurs can be wood, leather or chiseled silver. - Cachi, Salta - 1973

Luxuriously harnessed, the gaucho's horse carries on its saddle something to face the elements: knife (“facón”), “boleadoras”, hobbel straps, lasso. The spurs can be wood, leather or chiseled silver. - Estancia Santa María, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

The game is an indispensable part of everyday life for the gaucho. Although certainly more spectacular, riding a young bull is significantly less risky than a game of Truco. The inconspicuous tokens, pebbles or corn kernels amount to the wages of weeks of work. - Estancia El Dorado, Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1976

The pampas are never completely deserted. At one or the other crossroads, there is always a pulpería or carnicería, where you can quench your thirst and find out the latest gossip and the date of the next festival from the pulpero.- Paso de la Laguna, Province Entre Ríos - 1973

The Pulpería is a tavern, grocer and stage for born comedians all in one and, in these infinite widths, has made a decisive contribution to the development of an independent gaucho consciousness. - Ayacucho, Province Buenos Aires - 1975

The cattle are the wealth of the pampas. There are buyers who travel by plane from one remate (auction) to another. The cows are traded as lots, bulls as heads. - Remate in Temuco, Chile - 1975

The cattle are the wealth of the pampas. There are buyers who travel by plane from one remate (auction) to another. The cows are traded as lots, bulls as heads. - Villa María, Province Córdoba - 1973

The cattle are the wealth of the pampas. There are buyers who travel by plane from one remate (auction) to another. The cows are traded as lots, bulls as heads. - Remate in Villa María, Province Córdoba. - 1973

Troperos bring a herd intended for sale across the Alumine River in the Andean foothills. - Province Neuquén. - 1973

Troperos bring a herd intended for sale across the Alumine River in the Andean foothills. - Province Neuquén - 1973

The ritual of the asado and the mate is repeated with each stage. - Estancia Santa Ercilia, Palomas, Province Salto, Uruguay - 1975

The ritual of the asado and the mate is repeated with each stage. - Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

The ritual of the asado and the mate is repeated with each stage. - 1973

At the Huaitiquina Pass (in the background the Laskar volcano) between northern Argentina and Chile, the crossing fails only too often because of the Viento Blanco, the dreaded Andean snow storms. - 1975

Arturo Fernandez has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Salta - 1975

Arturo Fernandez has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Salta - 1973

Chacho Royo, a skilled rider with mighty guardamontes on either side, is seventy-five years old, fifteen of whom lie in mysterious darkness. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Salta. - 1975

Arturo Fernandez, with mighty guardamontes on either side, has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1973

Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta Two generations, one friendship. Arturo Fernandez has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. Chacho Royo, a skilled rider with mighty guardamontes on either side, is seventy-five years old, fifteen of whom lie in mysterious darkness. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Arturo Fernandez, with mighty guardamontes on either side, has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1973

Chacho Royo is one of the best gauchos in the Salta area and could demonstrate a lot of the younger ones in the campo. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Arturo Fernandez, with mighty guardamontes on either side, has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Arturo Fernandez has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

As a gaucho matrero, as a fugitive, Chacho Royo hid himself from the arm of the law in the Andes for fifteen years in his youth. Today he processes leather into bridles and saddles in his small estate, which he sells or gives to his friend Arturo. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Salta. - 1973

As a gaucho matrero, as a fugitive, Chacho Royo hid himself from the arm of the law in the Andes for fifteen years in his youth. Today he processes leather into bridles and saddles in his small estate, which he sells or gives to his friend Arturo. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Salta. - 1975

Dance of the "pañuelo" and vigil in the barn of Arturo Fernandez, in La Caldera. Father Requena, gaucho parish priest and rector of the University of Salta, joined the Chacho and Arturo. But, at sunrise, it's back to the pampas ... - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Arturo Fernandez and his wife during the mate ritual. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Vigil in the barn of Arturo Fernandez, in La Caldera. Father Requena, gaucho parish priest and rector of the University of Salta, joined the Chacho and Arturo. But, at sunrise, it's back to the pampas ... - Estancia Campo Alegre, Salta. - 1975

Vigil in the barn of Arturo Fernandez, in La Caldera. Father Requena, gaucho parish priest and rector of the University of Salta, joined the Chacho and Arturo. But, at sunrise, it's back to the pampas ... - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Chacho Royo during the Mate ritual. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

In the morning it goes out to the herd again ... - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1973

Arturo Fernandez, with mighty guardamontes on either side, has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Arturo Fernandez, has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1973

Arturo Fernandez has a finca near Salta where he tries to keep the traditional things alive. - 1973

Various items that accompany the life of a gaucho, including a guitar and bombo. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Various items that accompany the life of a gaucho. - Museo José Hernández, Mar del Plata - 1975

Chacho Royo cuts strips of leather that he uses to make bridles and leather straps. - Estancia Campo Alegre, Province Salta - 1975

Ramón Bandera from Estancia El Hervidero is a master at making leather straps. - Province Salto, Uruguay - 1975

The farrier Delphin Rodríguez from Bahía Bustamante (Chubut province) at work. - 1973

After a hard day's work there is Asado and Mate.- Estancia La Teresa, Province Neuquén. - 1973

In the province of Buenos Aires, the Troperos drive cows and calves to the Estancia La Mimosa. - 1975

In the province of Buenos Aires, the Troperos drive cows and calves to the Estancia La Mimosa. - 1973

Aberdeen Angus cattle on Estancia El Ombú, Ayacucho, Buenos Aires Province - 1975

At Don Emilio Solanet's Estancia «El Cardal», Ayacucho, Province of Buenos Aires - 1975

Sheep are herded early in the morning. Estancia Las Toscas, Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia. - 1973

Access to the Estancia " Rincón de los Morros", near El Turbio, Santa Cruz Province, Patagonia - 1973

Signpost to the Estancia Carro Roto on route 3 - Province of Santa Cruz - 1973

Road sign at route 3, it takes 120 km to get to Estancia Silvita! - Province of Santa Cruz - 1973

On the estancia “La Margarita” at Lake Viedma, in the province of Santa Cruz, the gauchos set off for the sheep pastures. On horseback, they cover great distances across the steppes of Patagonia. In the background the Fitz Roy massif. - 1973

Gauchos from the Salta region, taken on 17 June 1973 during the celebrations for the anniversary of the death of Martin Miguel de Güemes.

The Monument to Martín Miguel de Güemes is a 25 m high construction in the city of Salta. - 1973

Gauchos from the Salta region, taken on 17 June 1973 during the celebrations for the anniversary of the death of Martin Miguel de Güemes.

Horse tamer at the Estancia Amancay, Chubut Province, Patagonia. - 1973

Fiesta Gaucha in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. - 1976

Fiesta Gaucha in Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil - 1976

The cattle are the wealth of the pampas. Remate (auction) in Villa María, Córdoba. The cows are traded as lots, bulls as heads. - 1973

These gauchos are participating in a remate (auction) in Villa María, Córdoba. - 1973

A gaucho is herding a flock of horses. He works for the Estancia Las Toscas, a historic rural farm in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz. Such remote estancias in the Patagonian steppe were established in the early 20th century for sheep and cattle farming. – Argentina – 1973

Photo Gallery