I'm as "white" as they come, but hope that those whose roots are in Africa or "Zulu Land" will enjoy seeing some of their "great great grandparents" hamming it up, or just posing for the camera while having fun. I have seen plenty of pictures of Old Africa in my time, but none quite like these.
They are from a rare series of 1903 images showing culture clash and changes in certain areas of old "Zulu Land" (so called by the White settlers).
It is possible (some will say probable) that these images were taken to "spoof" or "mock" the Zulu. After 100 years, the photographer is gone, and his intent has died with him.
Regardless of how or why the images were photographed, they are valuable for showing true native Zulu costume, accessories, hairstyles, home construction.....and cross-over moments into some "white" pastimes. The honesty expressed in the faces of the subjects has, in the end, triumphed over any ignorance or prejudice on the part of the photographer.
The Zulu win.
The semi-nudity here is non-sexual in nature, and like many tropical nations of the world at that time, it was part of life. There is nothing more to be read into it.
I have also posted a series of BLACK AFRICA in 3-D, most all of it "straight images" (not spoofing or mocking) of many tribes from many regions. Some very beautiful stuff.
They are from a rare series of 1903 images showing culture clash and changes in certain areas of old "Zulu Land" (so called by the White settlers).
It is possible (some will say probable) that these images were taken to "spoof" or "mock" the Zulu. After 100 years, the photographer is gone, and his intent has died with him.
Regardless of how or why the images were photographed, they are valuable for showing true native Zulu costume, accessories, hairstyles, home construction.....and cross-over moments into some "white" pastimes. The honesty expressed in the faces of the subjects has, in the end, triumphed over any ignorance or prejudice on the part of the photographer.
The Zulu win.
The semi-nudity here is non-sexual in nature, and like many tropical nations of the world at that time, it was part of life. There is nothing more to be read into it.
I have also posted a series of BLACK AFRICA in 3-D, most all of it "straight images" (not spoofing or mocking) of many tribes from many regions. Some very beautiful stuff.
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