[Group of 14 stereographs of Africa and Actors] 1850 - 1919

These stereographs, produced by the Kilburn Brothers in the late 19th century, offer a glimpse into Africa, capturing both its landscapes and inhabitants through a Western lens. Dominating the scene is a bridge, likely constructed for colonial infrastructure, symbolizing progress but also hinting at the imposition of external powers. The simple structure beside it echoes similar forms found in various cultural contexts, from ancient temples to modern dwellings, each embodying a sense of place and belonging. Notice how the image is composed, inviting the viewer to cross a threshold, much like the bridge itself, and encounter the ‘other.’ These images, created for Western audiences, evoke the complex emotions tied to exploration and discovery: wonder, curiosity, but also perhaps subconscious desires to dominate and classify. This bridge, after all, not only spans a physical divide, but also cultural ones, and serves as a potent reminder of the tangled web of human interaction.