Photo 972, 8(420)

Genre: Ethnographical Photography

Full-length seated portrait. 'We present this photograph as it gives a fuller view of the peculiar costume of the women of this starnge and peculiar sect than any previously shown...The scarf thrown over the head, and hanging behind, conceals the high comb which is universally used to confine the hair tied in a knot. The strange long ear rings, intermixed with flowers and knots of hair, which hang down to the chest; the brightly emboidered and quilted bodice, which reaches to the hips and fastens behind; the ivory bangles, covering the arm from wrist to elbow, and from elbow to shoulder, increasing in size as they ascend; the large petticoat with its border of regular patterns in the brightest colours; and the various necklaces of beads, pieces of cornelian, or coral, and charms contained in gold, silver, or copper cases - all combine to form one of the most graceful of Indian costumes. Like most Lambani women the features of the woman photographed are hard and repulsive; but many of the girls and younger women are very beautiful, with deep Spanish colour, and superb figures.' Another copy of this print at Mss. Eur. G.91 (192a).

Subjects = ethnic groups; Lambanis; printed books; Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (8 vols, 1868-75); Watson and Kaye, 'People of India' (vol 8, 1875)

Location = India; Karnataka; Mysore district