Prisonniers conduits par un Mata, Cochinchine 1866

This is Emile Gsell's photograph "Prisonniers conduits par un Mata, Cochinchine", taken sometime in the 1860s or 70s. It's a poignant image, especially when we consider the historical context. Gsell, a Swiss photographer, operated in French-colonized Vietnam. This photograph, like many others from that era, was used to document and, in many ways, justify colonial power. The subjects are local Vietnamese people, presumably prisoners, escorted by a "Mata" or soldier. Look at their bare feet and simple clothes. The image tells a story of power dynamics, of who has control and who is being controlled. This photograph invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between the photographer, the photographed, and the viewer. As we gaze upon this image, we should consider the ethical implications of viewing people stripped of their freedom and dignity. It's a stark reminder of the human cost of colonialism.