Brick Works
The brick works in Rajasthan, India, are part of another industry often driven by slavery and bonded-servitude. The conditions are incredibly harsh, as the factory produces bricks year round. In the summer where temperatures reach an average of 38 degrees Celsius. Part of the production process requires kilns that push the heat even higher. Workers’ families live on site at the brick works, with women often doing heavy labor alongside their husbands. Child-labor has also been recorded. Even if children do not work, they are exposed to dust and other environmental issues which can cause eye issues, burns, asthma, etc. Despite this, the bonds of family and the sound of laughter and camaraderie can still be heard around the brick works. It’s a humbling reminder of the strength of humanity and human connection.
A team unloads fully-baked bricks. The heavy bricks are manually moved to the front of the compound where they will be loaded onto trucks.
A man carries a basket of bricks on his head.
A young girl wanders around the brickworks near her father. Her eyes are swollen from the dust and minerals and the lubricating defense attracts flies which further irritate her eyes.
A few men pause at the end of the day to socialize.
A young girl in her grandmother’s arms. Her eyes are also swollen from dust and have attracted flies. Medical care is usually limited to homeopathic remedies or entirely lacking.
Despite the harsh conditions, a young boy shows off for the camera. This is inside the home compound, with small houses and horse stalls made from haphazardly stacking more bricks.
©2018 Kate Pientka Photography