French photographer Pierre de Vallombreuse journeyed to Southeast Asia searching for another vision of women, one based on a more equal and potentially greater value on the feminine than we witnessed in patriarchal societies. His search took him to remote, indiginous cultures in Southeast Asia, the photographer told My Modern Met. For the mostpart, these cultures remain untouched by globalization and technology.

"Most of the cultures in Southeast Asia are more based on equality than domination," the photographer explained. For this series 'Souveraines', which was commissioned by Arthaud Publishing, de Vallombreuse "selected four remote cultures where women play decisive and central roles in governance and spirituality—the Khasi, a matrilineal and matrilocal society in northeastern India; the Palawan, a non-hierarchical community in the Philippines; the Mosuo ethnic group in China; and the Badjao, a sea-dwelling group that prefers boats to houses."

It should be noted that female sexuality is more more embraced in these societies, as we've written on AOC, and often it is women who choose their sexual partners, if only for the night. These realities dovetail back to our historical understandings of women's lives before the deterioration of women's rights, escalating dramatically after 10,000 BC.

De Vallombreuse says one of the most striking things he observed in these societies included "fluidity, simplicity, and normality" between men and women. "This should be normal everywhere," he said.

"Equality, mutual respect between the sexes, freedom to all; some traditional societies grant women leading social and spiritual roles," the series description reads on the website of Galerie Argentic, where 'Souveraines' is currently on display in an exhibition. "Among these peoples, women, recognized for their uniqueness and skills, are masters of their destiny."

De Vallombreuse's striking imagery can be seen at Galerie Argentic in France through November 21. Souveraines will also be available in a book, to be released by Arthaud Publishing in concurrence with the exhibition dates.

More reading on AOC links after images.