Portret van een onbekende Mishmi vrouw met een pijp uit Assam before 1868

This is a photographic portrait of an unknown Mishmi woman with a pipe from Assam, captured by Benjamin Simpson. The oval frame, with its sepia tones, centres our attention on the sitter, whose form is further emphasized by the soft light that delicately models her features. The composition hinges on a play of contrasts: the smooth curve of her cheek against the sharp angles of the pipe, the dark fabric of her jacket offset by the lighter tones of her skin and the background. These formal elements create a dynamic tension, inviting us to consider how such carefully constructed images engaged with broader cultural discourses around identity and representation. The photograph, beyond its aesthetic qualities, prompts questions about the power dynamics inherent in the act of portraiture during this period, and the construction of ethnographic narratives. It serves as a reminder that every artistic decision carries ideological weight, influencing how we perceive and understand the world around us.