Portret van een onbekende Bhutia vrouw uit Sikkim before 1868

This portrait of an unknown Bhutia woman from Sikkim was taken by British photographer Benjamin Simpson before 1868. The image is part of Simpson's larger body of work documenting the people of the Trans-Himalayan region. The woman, with her long dark hair and adorned with traditional jewelry, stares directly at the viewer, offering a glimpse into the lives and culture of the Bhutia people during the mid-19th century. Simpson's photographs are valuable historical documents, showcasing the diversity and beauty of the people he encountered on his travels. The portrait is a striking example of the early photographic practice of capturing individuals within their cultural context.