A fetish dwarf, Upper Mendi, W.C. Africa, 1890-03
Scope and Contents
105 x 155 mm. Showing a dwarf holding a long sword: 'The male dwarf ... belonged to another big chief a considerable distance away [from Juru, where Alldridge had photographed a female dwarf in the retinue of the late chief Mendegra]. This dwarf was also regarded in the same light as the other [viz. 'treated with every mark of respect']. Although small, he is a strong healthy and well proportioned man. He is wearing a gree-gree (charm or fetish) round his neck and upon his right arm. When I asked him if he were married, he stated with considerable pride that he had two wives - one of whom he brought to see me. She was a fine young woman, more than a head taller than himself, and apparently very proud of her husband, notwithstanding his diminutive stature.' (Alldridge 1901, page 121).
Alldridge signed a treaty with Batti Kakka, who succeeded Mendegra on March 19 1890 at Juru, and this photograph was probably taken a short time later.
Dates
- Creation: 1890-03
Creator
- From the Fonds: Alldridge, Thomas Joshua, 1847 - 1916 (photographer) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
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Language of Materials
English
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Fair condition, some overall fading and yellowing.
Bibliography
General
SG.
Finding aid date
2003-03-21 15:13:32+00:00
Geographic
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
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