Photo 972, 6(338)

Genre: Ethnographical Photography

Photograph probably by Tanner, possibly by William Robert Houghton. Oval image. Full-length portrait of three women, two seated, one standing. 'These Mohana women are courtezans common to the tribe of which an account has been given [see print 337]...It does not follow, however, that Mohanas do not marry, on the contrary many or most have wives, but these are courtezans notwithstanding...The photograph 338 gives a very characteristic group of the Mohana women, and the centre figure is not without personal attractions. Their costumes are as follows: the centre figure is dressed in a red scarf of fine transparent muslin, barred with gold thread, and edged with a broad gold tissue border. This is worn over a full gown or tunic of red muslin, and she has trousers underneath. The figure on the right wears a dark red saree picked out with green. That on the left a light pink scarf over a pink shift. They have all fair complexions with black eyes. Two of them wear the nuth, or nose ring, common to the country.'

Subjects = ethnic groups; Mohanas (caste); occupations; printed books; prostitutes; Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (8 vols, 1868-75); Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (vol 6, 1872)

Location = Pakistan; Sindh