Group of Bundu girls, Yandahu, Vassa, Upper Mendi, 1890 - 1899
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
- 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
Good condition.
General
SG.
Date information
DateText: The date is approximate..
Finding aid date
2003-03-24 11:49:35+00:00
Geographic
Repository Details
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