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c. 1880s India - fakir or holy man
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c. 1880s India - fakir or holy man
c. 1880s India - image from an album of Indian types and trades designed to illustrate India to a British viewer - fakir or holy man
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23433770
Collodion Colony Cultural Ethnicity Ethnographic Albumen
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the enigmatic figure of a Fakir, or holy man, from the late 1880s in India. The photograph, taken during the height of British colonial rule, is a poignant reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that existed in India during this era. The Fakir, with his piercing gaze and serene expression, is shown seated on a mat, surrounded by various objects that symbolize his spiritual prowess. He wears simple clothing, adorned with a string of beads and a tikka mark on his forehead, signifying his devotion and spiritual status. The photograph is part of an album of Indian types and trades, which was likely compiled to illustrate India to a British viewer. The album, produced during the 1880s to 1890s, is an ethnographic record of the diverse people and traditions of India, reflecting the colonial fascination with documenting the 'exotic' and 'other'. The use of the wet collodion or albumen process adds to the photograph's historicity and grandeur, transporting us back to a bygone era. Despite the colonial context, the photograph offers a glimpse into the traditional and indigenous practices that continued to thrive in India, even as the country underwent significant social and political changes. The Fakir's unwavering gaze challenges the viewer to contemplate the complexities of India's cultural heritage and the enduring resilience of its people.
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