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Group of Bundu girls, Yandahu, Vassa, Upper Mendi, 1890 - 1899

 Item
Reference Code: GBR/0115/RCS/Y30446F/26

Scope and Contents

107 x 150 mm. A full length portrait of six Bundu girls standing in front of a thatched hut. Several of the girls' faces are decorated with 'wojeh' but the purpose of the photograph is evidently to illustrate the elaborate coiffure of the women.

'The first occupation of a native woman in the early morning is to adorn her forehead with numerous strange devices of white or coloured clay and animal fat, that must be put on fresh every day ... But the longest operation is the hair-dressing, which may take some days. A woman may be seen lying on the ground with her head in the lap of the operator, who after combing out the wool with a strong, native wooden comb, with long prongs, - joins on other pieces of wool that are most elaborately plaited, and continually added to until the required height is obtained. There are numerous designs in this hair-dressing... The inside is stuffed with some soft material and as this coiffure is to remain up for a considerable time, a silver or cane skewer readily available, is frequently seen stuck through this mound, the reason for which can easily be imagined.' (Alldridge 1901, pages 113-4).

Dates

  • Creation: 1890 - 1899

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

From the Fonds:

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Language of Materials

English

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Good condition.

Related Materials

The four girls at the right can be seen in close-up in Y30446F/2.

General

SG.

Date information

DateText: The date is approximate..

Finding aid date

2003-03-24 11:49:35+00:00

Includes index.

Repository Details

Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository

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