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Woman of Tripoli
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Woman of Tripoli
Woman of Tripoli at home, with her face uncovered. Date: 1836
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Media ID 4358538
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10192577
1836 Libya Tripoli Uncovered Racial
EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking image captures the face of a Tripolitan woman, unveiled and at ease in her home, in a photograph taken in 1836. At a time when European travelers and explorers were just beginning to document the people and cultures of North Africa, this photograph offers a rare and intimate glimpse into the daily life of a Libyan woman. The woman's uncovered face defies the racial and cultural stereotypes that were prevalent in European depictions of North African women during this period. Instead, she is portrayed as a strong and independent figure, with a confident expression and a sense of pride in her identity. The photograph was taken during a time of significant political and social change in Tripoli. The city had been under Ottoman rule since the late 16th century, but in the early 19th century, it came under the influence of European powers, particularly France and Italy. This period of foreign influence brought about significant cultural and social changes, including the adoption of European fashions and customs. Despite these external influences, the woman in the photograph remains true to her own traditions and customs. Her simple, yet elegant attire, consisting of a long, flowing robe and a headscarf, is typical of the traditional dress of Tripolitan women at the time. The presence of household items in the background, such as a pottery jug and a woven basket, further emphasizes the domestic setting and the woman's role as a caretaker and provider. This photograph is an important historical document, not only for its depiction of a Tripolitan woman in her natural environment, but also for its challenge to racial and cultural stereotypes. It offers a valuable insight into the lives of women in Tripoli during a time of significant change and provides a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Libya and the broader region.
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