Erandi's thick, waist-long braids are her mother's pride and joy. When they have no money for a new fishing net, Mama takes Erandi to the barber, where they stand in line with the other women. Erandi cannot bear the thought of losing her braid, and when it is finally their turn, she is enormously relieved to find Mama is selling her own hair. When Mama's turns out to be too short for the barber to sell, he wants to buy Erandi's braids, and the child insists that he cut them. DePaolo's painting create a strong sense of the place and the people, their daily village work, and their loving family bonds.