Comorian Woman Demonstrating a Resistant Look

Comorian Woman Demonstrating a Resistant Look

Photographer unknown
Albumen print
Zanzibar, c. 1890

One of three photographs from the Coutinho Brothers studio show women reflecting distinct and different engagements with the photographer and each other. Alternately resistant, playful, and decorous, this range of interactions leaves a complex and ambiguous photographic record. References from the albums in which they were collected suggest two may represent Comorian women, likely referencing the long chemise and trousers and the stylish kanga.