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Bundu girls, whitewashed, 1912. Artist: Cecil H Firmin
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Bundu girls, whitewashed, 1912. Artist: Cecil H Firmin
Bundu girls, whitewashed, 1912. From The Living Races of Mankind, Vol. II. [Hutchinson & Co, London, 1912]
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Media ID 14992460
© The Print Collector
Cecil H Ethnicity Ethnography Ethnology Firmin Painted Race Sierra Leone Skin West African Whitewashed Group Portrait
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Bundu girls, whitewashed, 1912" captures a group of African women from Sierra Leone in their traditional costumes. The artist behind this mesmerizing portrait is Cecil H Firmin, who skillfully depicts the beauty and diversity of the African continent. The image showcases a powerful representation of ethnicity and race during the early 20th century. The women stand and sit with grace, their faces adorned with intricate patterns painted on their skin. Their dresses reflect the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, while also revealing influences from colonialism. The term "whitewashed" in the title refers to the practice at that time of applying white paint or powder to darken complexions for aesthetic purposes. This controversial aspect adds an extra layer of historical significance to this thought-provoking photograph. As we observe this monochrome print today, it serves as a reminder of how perceptions have evolved over time regarding identity and representation. It invites us to reflect on our understanding of culture and challenges us to appreciate its complexities. Preserved by The Print Collector29 collection, this remarkable piece offers valuable insights into ethnography and ethnology during an era when exploration was expanding horizons worldwide. Let us cherish such prints as windows into history's tapestry - reminding us both where we come from and how far we've come since then.
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